Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Talking To Strangers


--by laughingsoul, posted Jun 15, 2016
Today, I was resting on a bench at a Subway station and a very tired woman came and sat next to me. I said hello and offered her some of the sweet that I was eating but she refused politely, she's just been to a coffee shop and she was already full. But the ice was broken and we talked for about half an hour . She complained of a few things and I understood her but I also helped her to notice the bright side and she would be smiling and say "yes it's true". When we said our good bye she was a different person, her tiredness seemed to be gone and instead of sighs, as she came,  left with smiles, thanking me for talking to her, it made her day.I thanked her too for telling me so many things about her life.

A few minutes later, right before riding the subway train I saw an unsighted man coming. Went next to him and said hello, would you like me to help you, take hold of my hand. He said yes thank you and I stepped on the side where his hand was free, one step ahead of him so he could take hold my arm right above the elbow. We stepped in the subway train and talked all the way to his stop.

He was pleasantly surprised and gave me his name card before getting out of the train, and I promised to call. I will and who knows, maybe we will get together for a walk in the park one day soon.

I guided an unsighted girl only once, to a marine park, and it was very challenging to describe the beauty of water and how slow and relaxing the fish were moving. But I loved it so much and I would love to try again, maybe this time in a city park, especially now that the lilac is almost in full blossom.

It took courage for me to speak to strangers today especially to the man with the white cane. I would have not done it if the stories here would have not inspired me, thank you!.. I hope today I brought smiles and a pleasant time to two people, for sure they made my day brighter. I am very grateful for this day too.
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Readers Comments

friend_indeed wrote: Many thanks to you. This has inspired me now. I will also go out random in public and talk to strangers and help them. Your story makes me believe there are still many people who think about others and not just themselves. Its nice to be here:)
brindlegirl wrote: You are amazing!!! I know how hard this can be, but what a gift it is to all those you encounter. Your braveness was such a gift. You were a gift!
verityngnosis wrote: Well done. My mom for the last few years of her life lived in a senior' centre. .Every Sunday (weather permitting) she would help a blind friend from across the hall walk to the church a block away.
suse15 wrote: Your story has made my morning. Such generosity and love that blossomed from taking that first step, good on you!
mindyjourney wrote: Thank you for encouraging a more positive day for many, my friend :))). The support we bring each other so transforms our lives as well as those we touch <3.
patjos wrote: Yes, you are amazing, well done for listening to your courageous heart! You've inspired me now and lifted me from my tiredness. I will sing and smile as I walk later. That was really touching.
splain wrote: Such lovely acts of kindness. You just made my day feel wonderful by knowing there are people like you in this world.
Mish wrote: So full of wonderful! Truly. All beautiful kindness acts. Bless.
kjoyw wrote: Wonderful kindness to others!

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