For some, the world has become a little more hectic than it was 18 months ago. For the most part, all of the things that we used to do have started back up. Dropping kids off at school, the morning commute, a day of work, picking kids up, football practice, grocery shopping, cooking dinner, straightening the house, baths, and bedtime. In addition to all of that, we have the fears of a microscopic virus that has plagued people for far too long. It's easy to become mentally fatigued and strive just to make it through the day, and going the extra mile for someone isn't typically an option. They are doing all they can to keep bobbing with their head above the waterline. Still, others have a compulsion to care for others. They don't have to be essential healthcare workers. Sometimes it's a neighbor, a gas station attendant, or, in this case, a passerby. With a truck and trailer laden with furniture, he stopped. Not because his load was uneven or a flat tire. But because he saw a person in need who needed help beyond what they could provide for themselves.
An older gentleman was walking down the road, stopping here and there for a rest. He was clad in jeans and a brimmed hat, perfectly disguised as a silver sneakered man just out exercising. To most, he was just another part of the scenery. But one observant citizen noticed that something was off and set aside a portion of his obviously busy day to ensure that another human being was safe and taken care of. After stopping briefly and being waved on by the urban hiker, he still didn't have a good feeling. He pulled into the Webwood parking lot to make sure he did not reside in our community. The elderly gentleman did not live with us, but I still couldn't help being grateful for his stopping. Not because it benefited Webwood in some way, but because without those little acts of kindness, the light of the world is just a little dimmer.
Very confused and having injured himself, the gentleman might not have made it back to his family. Sometimes we forget that the inconvenience we see along the road is a brother, father, son, or uncle. Maybe just a close friend that helps them get through their tough week. Knowing that there are people out there that have other things to do but will navigate their trailer into our parking lot to help another person lightens the load of my existence just a little. Imagining if that was my father or brother, I know that someone would stop for them. I know that despite all of the negativity and despair in the world, there are still regular people who will help society positively, not for any gain of their own. They do it because that is who they are, and no job, task, or virus will change that.
Thank you, passerby. We appreciate you. You are also essential.
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