It's Saturday morning and I should probably be working but I felt like writing for a bit instead :)
I had a "feel good" moment earlier this week that I wanted to share but not for the purpose of tooting my own horn, but to note that I am so glad I took that opportunity to help someone. Helping others makes you feel good, or at least it has that effect on me...but when people are constantly needy, that's another story!
I was at an office doing some commercial work and was waiting for my client to wrap up a patient visit. While I was in the waiting room I heard a bunch of commotion, heavy breathing, and clunking against the front door. I looked over and saw some poor soul in need of help. There was a disabled woman trapped between the door and her scooter. The man next to me in the waiting room was oblivious with his earbuds in and the staff were chatting behind the glass about vacation rentals, not noticing what was unfolding.
The handicap door was broken and the second interior door didn't seem to be handicap accessible - there wasn't an automatic opener. She was trying to pry open the door with one arm, drive her scooter through with her other arm, and was falling out of her seat. I jumped up and went over to her, "Jesus! Let me help you!" I think I unknowingly said this because I've had times where I've tried to help someone and they were not having any of it...in fact me helping them was considered offensive, ha! So "let me help you" is my opening statement which also serves to communicate, "I'm trying to help, so don't bite my head off please". :)
I'm appreciative of adrenaline in situations like this because you can lift more weight than normal, and was a great aid in getting this "fluffy" (to put it politely) woman back into her seat. Had she slid further out and onto the floor, I'm not so sure I would have been able to lift her! I noticed she had a severe sore on her leg and energy-wise she was not doing too well. She seemed depressed and exhausted with life. I felt she was a diabetic and experiencing some circulation issues which was causing her leg sore.
"I'm not sure if this is the place I'm supposed to be!" she exclaimed as she got situated. I informed her which doctor's office it was but she was still unsure. We went to the receptionist counter and they looked at me as if was hindering them again from their lunch break. "This lady needs your help." They seemed confused because this woman wasn't within their viewing height. She rolled her scooter up to the counter and I returned to my seat.
"I'm looking for the wound clinic?" "It's downstairs..." the manager blatantly stated. "Is there an elevator?" "No." "So I have to pack up this thing and drive down to the back side?" the woman motioned to her scooter. "Yes, there's no way to get downstairs from here."
The manager slid the counter glass shut and I couldn't help but feel sorry for this woman. Daily life was a struggle for her and doing something seemingly simple for the rest of us, like going to a doctor's appointment, was a large task for her.
"Let me get the door for you again. Sorry this isn't the right office! I think you just drive around to the back and there's another entrance there." I tried to comfort her in my awkward ways and escorted her outside.
I could sense she hated being in that scooter and being disabled. She felt imprisoned, judged, and was likely treated poorly. She stared at her minivan for a moment and sighed. "Hey, do you think you could drive my van down to the entrance for me?" I agreed as she stuffed her keys in my hand trustingly. Off she zoomed in her scooter (at an impressive speed I might add) down the hill and I climbed into her van. It was clear this woman was extremely impoverished. Her old van was breaking down, cluttered, and I could smell the distinct aroma of cats. She probably was an animal lover and her cats kept her company in her solitary life. She was unmarried and a bit bitter. Being an empath, I sometimes begin to "feel" someone's energy which can include details about them.
I prayed to myself that in the short distance I had to drive, I wouldn't crash or get sued for trying to do something nice. Sometimes you hear horror stories about people getting sued or in trouble for trying to assist others, ha! I trusted that the Divine would ensure me a safe journey ;) I drove down the hill, around the corner and found her a nice parking spot that was close to the door...and I got to park in a handicap spot! Yes! I figured I would capitalize on that opportunity and take advance of that one small perk. So this is what it feels like to park in a handicap spot... ;)
After parking I found her inside by the counter and decided to try one last attempt at cheering her up. "I almost took off with it down to Mexico..." I said as I handed over her keys. She fumbled to put her keys back in her purse hanging from the handles. "There wouldn't be enough gas..." she mumbled to herself as if going over a to-do list. Another expense that weighed on her mind. But then stopped and looked up at me, for the first time, realizing I was making a joke. I smiled. She paused and then said, "Thank you...so much." She seemed sincere. "My pleasure. I hope you all have a wonderful day!" I said to the waiting room and left after receiving some confused looks. I walked around to the upper front level of the building hoping to myself that she would get a nice break in life. Had I won that 1.5 billion dollar Powerball I would've made sure she was set up nicely...cats and all :)
My client's receptionist was outside holding the door for me. "Dr. ____ is ready for you. Sorry, I thought that woman had a driver!"
So what is the moral of the story, Sam? Well I don't know...but I think it would be that taking time to be aware of others and their needs is necessary sometimes. Treating others with kindness should be a default and make sure you take time to laugh...or try to find humor in your daily life - it makes things easier. Often times people are struggling much more than what we can see, or what they allow us to see, and sometimes it's nice to know that others care during their personal tribulations.
Light & Love to you all!
~Samantha~
