Late in the day my nephew and I were returning from an arduous hike up a narrow desert canyon. We passed a Japanese family with two small children headed up this slippery water tank canyon with no trail.
Their apparel was out of place, like maybe they were tourists from a big city. We pointed out they were in for a real adventure. Perhaps they didn’t know what we meant, as they smiled and hurried up the remote canyon.
Back at our camper we watched for them, expecting their brief return. A couple hours went by, then the sun set. Alarmed, we grabbed a few flash lights, rope and blankets, and headed back up. It would be so sad if the children were hurt.
Pressing on into the night we became more and more frantic for their safety. Finally after a couple miles we were so excited to find them walking towards us. We hugged them out of relief, and asked if they were all OK. Sharing our flashlights to get over the rocks, we stayed together going back to our camper.
Safely back, we gave the family some drinks and snacks along with a few little gifts to entertain the children during the long trip back to Salt Lake City. The mother and father were amazed that we worried and cared about them so much. I think we were more motivated to find them in time - so we could live with ourselves. But, being kind works too, right?
Their apparel was out of place, like maybe they were tourists from a big city. We pointed out they were in for a real adventure. Perhaps they didn’t know what we meant, as they smiled and hurried up the remote canyon.
Back at our camper we watched for them, expecting their brief return. A couple hours went by, then the sun set. Alarmed, we grabbed a few flash lights, rope and blankets, and headed back up. It would be so sad if the children were hurt.
Pressing on into the night we became more and more frantic for their safety. Finally after a couple miles we were so excited to find them walking towards us. We hugged them out of relief, and asked if they were all OK. Sharing our flashlights to get over the rocks, we stayed together going back to our camper.
Safely back, we gave the family some drinks and snacks along with a few little gifts to entertain the children during the long trip back to Salt Lake City. The mother and father were amazed that we worried and cared about them so much. I think we were more motivated to find them in time - so we could live with ourselves. But, being kind works too, right?
1973 Reads
- Posted by rickhiker
- Apr 11, 2019
- Comments (7)
Readers Comments
Rajni wrote: Your compassionate heart did a wonderful job. You never know what would have happened without your help. No wonder, why wisdom says to go extra mile. Here it is total 4 miles both way. Thanks for sharing.
Virginia wrote: What caring people you are. That's a memory that will be remembered forever by both families.
Good motto - what do i need to do to live with myself?
Good motto - what do i need to do to live with myself?
scully wrote: Inspiring that you took the time to care for strangers like this. Thank you for your spiritðŸ™
Drjoybug wrote: Kind to others and self at the same time is always good.
mindyjourney wrote: Thank you!!! It can be very scary to be lost in the “wilds.†Appreciate you acting on that nudge to make sure the family was safe :)))))
gardengal10 wrote: You did the right thing!
leoladyc728 wrote: thanks for being so kind
