Too often we
under estimate the power of a touch, a smile, and kind word, a listening
ear, and honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring all of which
have the potential to turn a life around as in the following story
written by
Bob Eilers
of British Columbia, Canada.
My day started just like all the other days for
the past 15 years where I get up, make some coffee, shower, get dressed and leave for the
train station at preciously 7:35 A.M. to arrive
at work by 8:30. While on the train I would
always choose a seat away from the crowd so I
can read the newspaper in peace and quiet. At
work I am always being bombarded with questions
from coworkers, suppliers, telephone and then
those dreaded meetings so the last thing I need
is some stranger to sit beside me and make small
talk.
I don’t know why but for some reason when I got
on the train today it was unusually full,
something I don’t recall ever happening in the
past. With hesitation I sat down in the only
seat available beside a middle-aged man that had
his head down and seemed to be lost in his
thoughts. I was glad that he didn’t notice when
I sat next to him as he just continued to look
down towards the floor.
Shortly after the train left for my 30-minute
ride downtown, I found myself wondering what this
man was thinking about. What could be so
important that he didn’t even see me sit next to
him? I tried to forget about it and started to
read my paper. However, for some strange reason
this “inner voice” kept prompting me to talk to
this man. I tried to ignore the “voice” as there
was no way I was starting a conversation with a
complete stranger.
As you probably guessed I eventually broke down
and came up with an excuse to ask him a
question. When he raised his head and turned his
eyes towards me I could see that he must have
been really upset as he had red eyes and still
had some tears rolling down the side of his face
despite his feeble attempt to wipe them away. I
can’t describe the sadness I felt seeing someone
in so much pain.
We talked for about 20 minutes and in the end he
seemed to be doing better. As we were leaving
the train he thanked me profusely for being an
angel by taking the time to talk. I never did
find out what was making his heart so heavy with
pain but was glad I listened to the “voice” that
day.
Several weeks had passed when I noticed an
envelope on my desk after returning from lunch.
It was not addressed to anyone and only had the
word “Angel” written on it. My receptionist
attached a note saying a gentleman dropped it
off saying he did not know my name but had
described me well enough that the receptionist
knew it was for me. When I read the note inside
the envelope I was so filled with emotions that
I couldn’t contain myself. It was a letter from
the man I met on the train thanking me again for
talking to him and saving his life that day.
Apparently he had some very hurtful personal
problems that were so overwhelming he was
planning to take his life that day. In his
letter he went on to explain that he was a
religious person and in desperation screamed out
to God that if God really cared about him he
would send someone to prevent him from taking
his life. In his eyes I was that someone, that
Angel sent by God.
Not being a religious person myself I don’t know
what that “voice” was that made me take a chance
and talk to a stranger but I do know that it
made a difference in someone’s life that day. So
the next time you feel prompted for no apparent
reason to talk to a friend, relative, neighbor
or even a complete stranger please remember my
story. You just may make a difference in
someone’s life when you listen to your inner
voice.
Now
playing: It's A Small World
Each day we come in contact with many people. The way we act and react
towards them is a direct reflection of our own life. When we see a
person hurting and in trouble do we stop to help, or do we just walk on by? Be
kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of
battle.
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Tim
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