An arthritic woman, someone’s grandma no doubt, slowly and stiffly walks in out of the cold. She sits for a while, then unwraps several layers. Eventually, she painfully moves to the bathroom, returning 10 minutes later. She sits again, pulls a cup and saucer from her bag, sits quietly some more, then makes her way to the counter and buys a coffee. Back in her seat, she takes a minute or two before transferring the drink from the paper cup to her china. All the while, I’m thinking I’ll put down my book and approach her to see if I can buy her breakfast. Before I do so, a young business woman from the next table gets up and asks if she can get her something to eat. She says she’d love an Egg McMuffin. In a couple minutes the meal is on the table and the young woman is off to work. The grandma fishes a knife and fork from her bag, wipes them with a paper napkin, and prepares to eat her breakfast.
Who says the city is a heartless place? I’m grateful to have witnessed the young woman’s kindness. How easy that was! Often, it doesn’t cost much to show a little humanity. No need to be hesitant when a clear opportunity to reach out presents itself. Next time, I’ll be quicker to get on my feet. Generous thoughts are good; simply acting on them is better.