This morning as I made my way around to the bus stop, going well off my route in order to avoid slick icy patches, I experienced a shift so quick it surprised me. I was standing on the opposite side of the street waiting for the traffic light to change when I spotted the school crossing guard. He is a very very old man. I see him often and we exchange morning pleasantries and wish each other a good day. As the light change and he made his way to the middle of the street holding up his red and white STOP sign. I noticed his hands were shaking. The tremors were so visible that the sign was moving quickly from side to side. We greeted each other and exchanging pleasantries. I was a couple of steps ahead when I heard a loud bam. I turned in the direction of the sound only to see the poor man lying in the street on his back like a turtle trying his level best to get up. I was so shocked to see him on the ground. I quickly turned around and extended my right hand and pulled him to his feet. I asked if he was ok, he answered softly yes and nodded. I think he was as shocked as I was to be on the ground and a bit embarrassed.
I walked away thinking, ‘thank God he is ok and how the experience in that one moment is such a metaphor for life. Things can change as quick as a breath, one moment you are up and walking briskly the next you are flat on your back and barely able to get up.’ The moment certainly reinforces my philosophy of never taking anything (ability/mobility) or anyone for granted and remaining humble and grateful.
Very correct.We have absolutely no idea of what awaits us in the next few minues or hours.That is why we say God willing when we talk of future assurance of meeting someone or doing something.
ReplyDeleteAh "we" say that to in Trinidad, "God willing" and if we are talking about the next day then we say, "Tomorrow please God"
DeleteThat's so sad. Did he slip on an icy patch or was it something else? He should definitely visit the hospital.
ReplyDeleteWhen older people fall, the effect is a tad bit worse than when younger people do (that's if he just slipped).
How (quick) things can change in life, sometimes without us even knowing what happened.
I think he slipped on an icy patch. The next day when i saw him he told he had something for me and offered me a candy. I just smiled took it and wished him a blessed day.
DeleteYes life happens and God has made us strong and resilient to triumph over it all.
I will just add 'Amen.' Things do happen so quickly and we have no power to stop them!
ReplyDeleteTrue however we do have the power to determine how it will impact and influence our lives.
DeleteQuite profound! Thanks for the reminder... it only takes a second/minute for things to change. I hope the guy is really okay cos often times people say they are fine as a reflex even when they are otherwise.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome.
DeleteYes he is ok, at least he seem so. I saw him the next day and he greeted me, offered me a candy. I smiled, said thank you and wished him a blessed day.
You are so right about events changing things quickly in life. You just never know.
ReplyDeleteTrue, that is why we should cherish every moment and by ever thankful .
DeleteVery Correct!! We should never take anything for granted.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100%
DeleteI know all too well just how quickly one moment you're up and before you know it your trying to pick yourself up off the ground.
ReplyDeleteI so know what you mean. We are blessed, we are strong, we are children of God and we shall over come and triumph.
DeleteNever take anything for granted , a true word indeed ..Poor man I do hope he wasn't hurt , glad you where their for him Rhapsody.
ReplyDeleteHugs Sheila x
Yes he is fine, he was out there the next day in the bitter cold. You gotta to admire the courage of one so advanced in years, still beating the streets and working like the rest of us, and he drives a fire engine red car!
DeleteYou are so right. I'm more and more cognizant of that now that I'm a senior citizen. When did that happen anyway? All of a sudden I'm going to be on Medicare, for goodness sake! I feel like everyday is a gift now.
ReplyDeleteIt absolutely is especially when you are in good health, you are so doubly blessed because you have your husband beside you and you both do things together and explore.
DeleteIt's good to hear he was okay, that could have been so much worse. Thank God he wasn't hurt. If I have learned anything in this life, it is how quickly things can change.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you my friend.
Yeah he's good. the next day he told me he had something for me and offered me a sweet......hehe.
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