A Worried Trip and a Helping Hand

--by mouse, posted May 29, 2008

My dad had a heart attack seven years ago and was rushed to a specialist hospital 200 miles away from where we lived. My mother, sister and I were travelling there by train. It was touch and go. His heart had been seriously damaged and doctors were warning us that by the time we reached the hospital it might be too late. We were a fairly sombre group.
Suddenly the train swerved and a suitcase came crashing down striking my sister on the shoulder and banging into a lady sitting nearby. This initiated a conversation. The lovely lady listened to my mum's concerns about my dad and knowing that we had nowhere to stay when we needed it most offered us accommodation at her daughter's flat, which was just a few miles from the hospital. Her kindness touched us all and although we didn't take her up on the offer because we were advised to stay in the hospital itself, my mother has kept in touch with her.
My dad made a full recovery, undergoing a triple heart bypass, and subsequently my parents have visited the lady at her home. It's amazing how such a simple gesture like offering someone a place to stay can be like a candle in immense darkness.

1846 Reads

Posted by mouse
May 29, 2008
Comments (7)

Readers Comments

lovebug wrote: It truley was a great story, I don't believe there are any accidents in life, I think the word I would use is Kismet

megumi wrote: Wow! I love this story. It reminds me how much we miss in our daily lives when we do not reach out to those around us. May God be with you.

JuneBug wrote: This is a great story for how things happen for a reason. I am glad things worked out for everyone! :]

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: Everyone enters our life for a reason. How nice that the reason for this has kept them in touch with her. Thanks for sharing!

brighteyes wrote: I too, have met wonderful people while traveling by train....used to be a good transportation choice in the 70's & 80's...also my roommate and I met many great people when we used Eurail and Britrail thru our Europe trip.

AURELIA wrote: Isn't it funny how things happen like that. Being kind and compassionate really is the way to go. :) ~Aurelia

lmil1954 wrote: Bless your sunny heart! Thanks for your story. It is very warm. And lovely! Welcome, little friend. (And I say that cos you're Mouse) LindaM:)

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