I just had to drive a stranger home
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (28480)
January 26, 2022 6:38pm CST
So, I went to the store. Needed just a couple of items for days, I zipped through there and was done in short order. I was back in my car in record time. That never happens.
As I was about to head out, I saw an elderly man with a walker go by my area. The handles of the walker were loaded with sacks of groceries. He walked as slowly as possible, very small shrunken old fellow who had no business being out in this cold weather. I watched him to see if he was heading for a car, was going to offer to help him load up. He veered off down the parking lot and it was obvious he had no car and no ride and had actually walked there. I don't know how he ever managed it, he was so slow he was barely moving by this point. I drove up to him, got out and asked him if he had a ride or needed one. He said he had no ride, but he didn't want to bother anyone, either. Well, we unloaded all those bags into my back seat, put him in the front seat. I collapsed his walker and put it in the trunk. I took him to his apartment building, which was over half of a mile from the store.
That is a very busy area. Lots of people could have offered to help the old guy. It's not like he was offensive or a threat to anyone. He was so sweet, said thank you many times. I'm glad I gave him a ride. I hope if I was ever in the same circumstance, someone would help me. We never really know what the future holds.
10 people like this
8 responses
@kaylachan (57636)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
27 Jan 22
People have become bitter and afraid of each other. While the vast majority of us are nice and kind, there are those who are not. Looking at someone you can't ever know. I'm sure he was greatful for your help all the same.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28480)
•
27 Jan 22
He was nearly in tears, he was just so exhausted. While we were unloading his bags, his neighbor came home and carried them to the apartment. He said they try to help him out, but they are hardly ever home to ask for rides very often.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (79708)
• United States
27 Jan 22
That was so nice of you to give that elderly gentleman a ride. So sad to think he had to walk there and then back with all his groceries. You will be blessed for sure for your helping hand
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (79708)
• United States
27 Jan 22
@MarieCoyle I bet that elderly gentleman will be beyond words when you offer the trips to the store. I'm sure it will make his life so much easier.and it's so nice to hear such a heartwarming story. I hope it all works out for you all and that you become good friends
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28480)
•
27 Jan 22
@Marilynda1225
He said he has some friends, but very little family. I have a lot of friends, but a person can never have too many. Thank you.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28480)
•
27 Jan 22
I told my son about it last night. He says he wants me to go with him to the old fellow's apartment, and offer to take him to the store every week if he needs it. My son has always enjoyed time with older people. He was very close to his great grandfather and to my dad, too, so he will follow up and do this, which makes me happy.
2 people like this
@marguicha (215403)
• Chile
27 Jan 22
This is how a story with miracles start. Thank you, dear.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28480)
•
27 Jan 22
I couldn't get over the fact that he had actually walked from where he lived to the store. It was a hard, long cold walk for someone who had to use a walker. Plus he had to cross an eight lane street that's very busy.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28480)
•
27 Jan 22
All I could think of was, it could be me. We don't know how life will kick us.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40515)
• United States
27 Jan 22
God will bless you for your kindness.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28480)
•
27 Jan 22
Thank you, but I just couldn't not help him. The situation screamed for some action, if I did not help him, I don't think anyone would as no one stopped. It was just so sad.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28480)
•
27 Jan 22
I've been on the receiving end before. It's humbling but then it's also much appreciated, especially when you are exhausted or in pain. Sometimes, you just have to do what you think is right at the time.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28480)
•
27 Jan 22
My kids are so protective of me at times, that for just a second, I thought about it. But I just couldn't. Cold wind, his coat wasn't all that great, and he had so much to haul. He was just exhausted. Thanks.
1 person likes this
