This is not my usual post...it is just something I want to share.
While her passing was expected, it was still the most painful thing to hear.
I called my boyfriend to let him know and we agreed to meet in 15 minutes at King Station to go north. I tried to keep composed as I was alone and in the busy and rigid Financial District mid-day but the tears would not yield and fell down my face as I walked and waited on the platform. I sat there, in King Station, feeling lost, alone, devastated and very embarrassed to be crying in public. I averted my gaze from the passers-by and most people looked at me the same way that they look at the homeless men outside the buildings.
And then I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was a girl, blonde hair, maybe about 27 years old. She looked me in the eyes and asked "Are you ok?" - and she meant it, the warmth of her hand and of her question were evident and genuine. I was taken aback by this stranger who literally had reached out to me. I said "I am ok, I just was told that a loved one has passed away" and forced a smile. She leaned in and said "I'm sorry. Are you alone? Do you need any help?" And when I said that my boyfriend would be along shortly to meet me, she immediately offered to stay with me until he arrived.
She did not have to do this. I could hve been crazy, dangerous, mean etc. but she saw a person who looked like they were in need and she reached out.
I never got her name but whoever you are, I think of you as my "subway angel". That type of act of kindness was something my mother would have done. This random act of kindness brought me a reminder of how good the world can be when my world looked so dark. My loss made me feel so lost but your hand on my shoulder felt like a guide.
I hope you know, subway angel, that you made a difference that day. Maybe you were scared I was going to jump, but whatever made you do it, I will always remember your kindness.
