Stories of Kindness from Around the World

I have seen Charlotte waiting for a bus many times. She is in her 80's. She is petite and thin. She lives in a little Fold for the elderly near my home. I have got to know her as I stop and give her a lift any time I see her. Even if I am going the opposite direction or I have just nipped out for a pint of milk, I still give her a lift. She is circumspect though and would be careful who she would take a lift from. When I changed my car she was used to seeing my silver car pull up beside her but was wary the first time I pulled up in my new white car.

Charlotte looks elderly and frail but last time I gave her a lift she told me she'd been on a helicopter ride, photos even shown  to prove it! She had gone with her daughter and granddaughter and my, she looked like she enjoyed the whole experience! I told her she's braver than I am! I loved too that in this technological age, her family were considerate enough to print the photos out for Charlotte.

I met her recently in Lisburn town centre where we both live. She was sitting on a bench with a few items of shopping. I asked her if I could give her a lift home, she didn't recognise me though as I was out of context for her ie not in my car. She explained she was going to visit the elderly in a nearby home. She thanked me for my offer but did not want to take me out of my way and was happy to get the bus as usual. I told her it was my pleasure and organised to meet her a few minutes later when I had picked up my shopping. Charlotte happily agreed. I picked her up and dropped her off at the home. She told me someone else usually brings her home.

Charlotte might look like a thin frail old lady in her 80's but I can see past that, she's young at heart, can soar high into the sky and at the same time grounded enough to visit 'the elderly' who may need a visit, company and a friendly face.

When I grow up  I want to be as young as Charlotte.