Unexpected Kindness
May 31st, 2007 by Creativity Coach
I was waiting for the bus yesterday with some grocery bags when I made eye contact with a woman who I was guessing might be around 75 years old. She was waiting for the same bus and I must admit I made a snap judgement about her. She had her hair dyed an unnatural shade of black and was wearing enough garishly bright makeup that she could have been spotted from the 156th row of Madison Square Gardens, while she was standing right at that Montreal bus stop.
That woman promptly made me regret my judgmental thoughts when she turned to me and asked me if I need help with my bags. I was so surprised that this elderly lady wanted to help me with my groceries. After all, didn’t old people just stand there with a scowl and wait for other people to cater to them?? And I must point out that there were two young men and a young woman also waiting with us.
I thanked her and declined. Before I had a chance to get over my surprise, the bus arrived and again she offered to help. And since I really didn’t need help, she instead stood aside and insisted I get on the bus ahead of her. Wow!
Not too many people would be thoughtful enough to stand aside, let alone offer to help. In fact, I’ve had men try to pick me up while I was struggling with luggage and it didn’t occur to them that one way to get my attention was to take a freaking bag!
Anyway, I realized that I had this assumption that the elderly were there to receive assistance, not give it. How silly of me! This beautiful, kind lady challenged some of my beliefs and I’m all the better for it. And madam, wear as much make-up as you bloody well please. Just so long as you feel good in it. Thanks for the lesson…