A Sure Hand on Slippery Stairs

--by nflowers1228, posted Sep 15, 2008

   This is a very small act of kindness that I wanted to share.

   We went to a Bach concert on Saturday night and a bus full of elderly people were entering the building the same time as we were. The building was an old church and it was a cold, rainy night, so the steps to the door were slippery. One of the elderly men was clearly having trouble and we waited patiently as he tried to navigate the steps, with no success. He appeared to be a proud man, not wanting help, and determined to find his own way. There was a lot of confusion and the line behind us was increasing.

   My first thought was to try to go around him just to get out of his way. Just as I was next to him, he reached his hand out to try to find the railing. I instinctively grabbed his arm and helped him up the stairs. As we walked up the stairs, I could feel him shaking. Clearly this effort was more difficult than he had expected.

   Although he thanked me, this act went mostly unnoticed, which helped him to maintain his dignity. I think that was the best part. Sometimes it's hard to know if helping is actually helping. But I knew in my heart I had done the right thing.

2026 Reads

Posted by nflowers1228
Sep 15, 2008
Comments (6)

Readers Comments

lmil1954 wrote: Yes, you did. You can be very sure that the One to whom it mattered most appreciated it! May you be richly belssed...yea, you already are. LindaM:)

AURELIA wrote: Super Story! I love it. Thank you for helping him out and keeping him safe. :) ~Aurelia

elizaliza wrote: That was the perfect thing to do. Who knows what might have happened to the fella if ya didint help him. God bless you so much.Love ya

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: All of the little things matter so I don't think there is any such thing as a small act of kindness. They all make a BIG difference. Thanks for doing that for this man!

JuneBug wrote: I REALLY LIKE THIS POST!!! You did well! :}

brighteyes wrote: THX for helping the older man and being so empathetic....for many man, especially the older generation, dignity is one of the few things they have left.....you were so sensitive and compassionate to help him but not take this precious gift from him. Kudo's! ;)

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