Freeing a Trolley for an Elderly Woman

--by wayfarer, posted Oct 17, 2009

Walking through town yesterday I spotted an elderly woman having a spot of bother. She was trying to release a supermarket trolley from the trolley park and not managing. You need to slip a pound coin into the release slot and this disengages a little length of chain enabling you to use the trolley. But, try as she might, this lady couldn't loosen that chain.

"You all right?" I asked. "Yes, thanks," she smiled back. But I didn't take the hint. I stood a few seconds longer and still that chain wouldn't loosen. "Let me," I said, reaching over. And I pushed her coin just a little further into the mechanism. The chain released and that was that.

"Oh, thank you," she said. "I'm not as strong as I used to be."

And THAT is really what this is about! I hadn't even noticed the strength it took to push that coin in properly, but it was beyond what she could do.

Fights get caused, relationships get ruined because we judge other folk by our own capabilities. It's not surprising, they are the only capabilities we really know and understand. But before we condemn anyone for not doing all they can, just remember: they might be!

Their best might not match up to your best, but it will still be their best and to denigrate it is to hurt them where they live. And your best might not be anything like what someone else can achieve. So, let's not judge each other by what we can do, instead let's look for the heart and effort they put into what they do.

Let's face it, that old lady was probably a mother and grandmother, and that's waaaayyyyyyy beyond anything I could ever do!

2007 Reads

Posted by wayfarer
Oct 17, 2009
Comments (10)

Readers Comments

JuneBug wrote: Yesterday, I almost got broad-sided by a handicapped person driving his/her car. I knew they were handicapped by the scooter attached to the bumper and the handicap sticker.Dead give-away, huh? I quickly put on my brake and they barely missed me. I sighed a sigh of relief that the accident didn't take place. I could tell this person realized what just happened because we came to a red light and they kept creeping up as if to drive away embarrassed...I just said ''Thank you, Lord, for watching out for us both !''... :)

monkeyinpajamas wrote: Sometimes in such situations I wonder if I should actually help. For eg. a handicapped person who is struggling with their wheelchair. Is it better to help or will they feel offended and depended if I do? Suggestions, anyone?

FairyBubbles wrote: I love the way you always something wonderful in every situation. Thanks for sharing.

cabbage wrote: Wayfarer,
Your lesson from this story really touched me deeply. So often we think someone else isn't doing "what I would do"
and you are right--they are probably doing their best in that situation. How very very wise. I am going to meditate on this thought tonight and want to remember to think of it in my life.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!

grammagussie wrote: Wonderful object lesson..I'm always admiring men for their strength....and there willingness to help.

..Thanks for being one of those and sharing your abilities.~grammagussie~

sethi wrote: Let us not be judgemental about others and look inwards at ourselves. Thanks .

AURELIA wrote: It's hard when we THINK we know what others are capable, to fall into being judgemental. You know what maybe they can do better than they are, and maybe they're just having an "off" kind of day. Doing like you did, getting right in there with a smile and kind word is what it's really all about. KINDNESS in the name of the Game :0) Thanks Wayfarer for opening our eyes once again~~~~Smiles are Contagious! ~Aurelia

lmil1954 wrote: Yep- always offer help and you go beyond that! You kept watching and cared enough to do something!
MY HERO!!!!

TheakstonCat wrote: Well done wayfarer always there, always helpful! Super guy!
T.Cat x

jsmc10 wrote: Yes, i tend to judge people on what i can do, my dad also, i know we shouldn't, thank you for this example

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