Healing the Hurt in Others

--by smilingsusan, posted Mar 4, 2009

Five-and-a-half years ago my father was suddenly rushed to the hospital for open heart surgery. At the time, we had no idea that he was gravely ill. The surgery did not go well and he remained unconscious. Due to the laws of our state, we were forced to keep him on a ventilator for 72 hours against his living will wishes.

At the end of day two, I was sitting in the waiting room and was watching others walk their fathers around who had had similiar surgeries. Typically, I am very happy for others that are recovering, but this evening, I guess I was a little angry because I finally realized I would never be able to hold my father's hand and walk down the hall again.

I had to jump up and run down the hall to get away from everyone. This is not in my nature but I just had to be alone. After running for what seemed like eternity, I found a restroom and went in. I sat in a stall and cried for at least five minutes.

When I came out of the stall there was a stranger by the sink. I went to turn on the water to wash my face a little and she just grabbed me and hugged me. She held onto me until I finally stopped crying. Then she grabbed a paper towel, wet it and handed it to me. She looked at me and smiled and then left. She never spoke one word but she touched my heart forever.

She taught me that you do not need to be an eloquent conversationalist to help heal the hurt in others. Never hesitate to hug someone who may need it today. You can make a difference in someone's life without ever muttering one word.

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Posted by smilingsusan
Mar 4, 2009
Comments (24)

Readers Comments

InnerAlchemist wrote: So true! Contemporary society places much importance on conversation and dialogue, but your story reminds me that kind actions speak much louder than words.

grandmadee2003 wrote: Thank you for sharing. I hope i remember this when i see someone else in need of comfort and caring.

pekopest wrote: . Thank you for writing that, it was very lovely and heart warming. And reminds me that we should never underestimate the touch of human compassion and act on our instinct to reach out to others.

deepula wrote: She made not only you cry with happiness, but also me susan.

Be very very blessed and you already were. With love, deepula.

Ruth J Campshure wrote: This is a very touching story, and yes, "a hug is the shortest distance between people! " may we all reach out to others when we see a need. God bless the helpers in the world! Gg

Anne McCrady wrote: What a lovely story! It is a reminder that kindness is not complicated, it requires a simple act of humanity. I know your story will lead to other hugs!

Manuella wrote: Thank you for the story!

We all are in need in different times.

Recognizing it and actually acting on it is a beautiful act.

dotrut2001 wrote: Tis not a picture , but a hug that is worth a thousand words.

Sanyogita wrote: Thank you for ur post n teaching me "action speaks greater than words. "
When a person is down,that person needs somebody to hold their hand,listen to them,hugg them tightly,just be with them. Thats what the stranger done with you unknownly. Its not always words or act but their gestures that leave footmarks behind.

jaya wrote: I can understand what you went through during that point of time, but this is just wonderful and thanks so much for sharing wiht me.

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