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When Julie and I were on our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic we were mostly cocooned in one of those all-inclusive resorts. (The image of paradise was slightly altered when I discovered that the far reaches of the beach had armed guards!)We went on a coach trip across the island to visit the capitol city (where Columbus first landed in the New World, I think.) We had a good day and were well fleeced as tourists should be.
On the way back we were driving through a jungle area. The kind of place where women still wash clothes on the rocks by the rivers. The driver pulled over and let a matronly lady, loaded down with bags, climb on board. She sat well away from us tourists and never said a word. But an hour into the journey she developed one of those really annoying, dry, tickly coughs. They were really racking her.
Eventually we pulled over to a truck stop/souvenir shop. We all piled out, but the lady stayed on board. After a moment or two of looking at local crafts I saw the cooler cabinet with fizzy drinks and bottled water. I bought a bottle of cool, clear water and went back to the bus. The lady was still coughing when I held out the bottle. I don't know any Spanish and she didn't speak English, but the moment didn't need words.
We dropped her off on the rough outskirts of another city, but before she left she stopped and smiled at Julie and I. We were from different cultures, with different expectations of life. But the gift of water and a smile of thanks bypassed all of that. For that moment we were both simply human.
7865 Reads
- Posted by wayfarer
- Feb 2, 2009
- Comments (21)
Readers Comments
tressyanne wrote: it is amazing how we know deep in our hearts and souls when someone needs something. we do not have to mutter a single word and someone, somewhere, will answer our silent call for help.
thank you for sharing that story. it goes to show you how important we all are.
smiles to you!
thank you for sharing that story. it goes to show you how important we all are.
smiles to you!
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: That was very kind of you. Kindness and a smile can be understood no matter what language we speak!
Maumauc wrote: Shahadai - a moment to be remembered in the heart of God. thank you for sharing.
Nandi wrote: Dear Wayfarer,
Thanks so much for being an angel to that lady. Thanks fo sharing ur story of your kindness.
Acts of kindness need no language! They are well understood by all!!
Keep up the good work and thanks for inspiring me to be even kinder!
Love,
Nandi
Thanks so much for being an angel to that lady. Thanks fo sharing ur story of your kindness.
Acts of kindness need no language! They are well understood by all!!
Keep up the good work and thanks for inspiring me to be even kinder!
Love,
Nandi
JuneBug wrote: Great post,wayfarer! Thank you! :]
makingyousmile wrote: Wonderful story...Truely inspiring...
ieiblue wrote: what our heart says really matters.. :p
AURELIA wrote: Beautiful! I love it! Do you know how special that kind act was? Instead of thinking of yourself and shopping for souveniers, you and Julie were concerned for a perfect stranger. The language of love is the same everywhere. Your kindness is always so inspiring. Thank You, Earth ANGEL :0) ~Aurelia
lmil1954 wrote: Indeed!!! Truly, in deed, no words were needed! What a great story. Linda:)
jaydeebug wrote: She has not forgotten you either!
