Tugging at The Heart Strings
>> Monday, March 23, 2009
As I drove to work this morning, the air was cool, it was still dark. I traveled the same route I drive every morning, passing my usual landmarks. That is when I saw her. She was an older woman, wearing a heavy coat -despite the forecast of a warm day. Each step was deliberate, as she walked with some difficulty. She did not appear to be one of those I am accustomed to seeing. There is a handful of random people I see daily, as our paths cross. Much like the young man that walks his black trench coat year round -listening to his iPod as he travels in the opposition direction.
This new face in the crowd caught my attention, for many reasons. First, the simple fact that she was new to my routine. Secondly, the difficulty she appeared to be experiencing. She could travel this route daily, but not with me, making her not all that new. But something about her told me that her circumstances had changed. That she was walking because she had no other choice, yet she needed to be somewhere.
It’s moments like these that I have the ability, the desire to help. I thought about stopping and inquiring about her destination. If it had been within reason I most likely would have given her a ride, no questions asked. However, I couldn’t bring myself to stop the car.
This day and age, you never know who you can trust. Who really needs help or who will take advantage of you. So I drove on, watching her in my rearview mirror until I could no longer see her.
It saddens me that because the way the world has turned, all the violence and wrong doings make the world UN-Safe. At least not safe enough for me to stop and offer a ride to someone possibly in need.
19 Pepsi Points :
It's so true. And it always tears me up inside.
That always tears me up, but I have sometimes taken the leap and stopped to help someone. I always feel bad that I can't do more, but I do what I can when I can.
I think you you should say a quick prayer the next time you see something like that and then take the leap. But that is just my opinion.
I think the same thing all the time. It's sad isn't it?
This always breaks my heart, I always want to reach out and help but like you said you never know who you can trust.
It really does tug on the heartstrings. And you are also right--you just never know if you will be safe if you stop and help. It's a double-edged sword.
I am so with you on this. I want to help people, and I hate that I feel too scared to sometimes.
I know! It is so hard! I love to help people too!
It is one of those tough calls, and too bad our society leaves us fearful in these situations. So thanks for stopping by even though I've been a blog-slacker! I voted for a meet-and-greet day. Another grandbaby coming in May, so I may be attending to grandma duties! Otherwise, I'm there!
I was thinking this very same thing the other day when I saw someone trying to flag down a ride on the interstate. So sad.
It is sad, but there are more huksters and unstable loons out there than we care to think about. I've certainly done my share of reckless things as far as picking up hitch hikers,strangers,etc., and I guess the good Lord had his angels keeping me safe.I don't do it anymore. I had a horrid experience in my early 30's with someone I thought I knew.
You're so right. The goodness in our hearts and our willingness and desire to help people is so often overruled by the need to be safe. I wish it wasn't that way.
It saddens me too. And especially when I have to teach my kids to be so afraid.
I have had similar experiences in the past. Also there has been more than once that I (when not with my children) have pulled over and helped with a ride. Sometimes short but always they felt right.
I feel the same way you do. You want to reach out and help, but you don't want to put yourself in harm's way either. It really is difficult in this world of ours now. It makes me really sad for my children.
This drives my husband crazy. I am the kind of person who wants to help others. I would never pick someone up though!
I've been in this situation so many times. It really stinks knowing that you want to help but can't bring yourself to actually do it because of what we have been taught.
I hear you loud and clear... been there myself. It bothers me all day that somehow I should have helped. It is a sad thing to happen to all of us that we can no longer trust our fellow man.
It is really hard in this day and age. I offered a ride to lady a while back because she had tons of grocery sacks and I could see she was waiting for the bus and was struggling with them. She was younger and I really felt that she needed my help. I could tell she was just as leery about accepting the ride as I was about giving it so that made me a bit more comfortable. But you just never know.
It is hard. And I know you know how hard it is to be safe in this world. But I also know, you help where you can, because you have a kind heart. I hope that comforts you. You have a family to care for, so taking care of you, comes first.
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