Extend a Helping Hand

Originally uploaded by Artiii

Today on the train...A young mother got on the train with a stroller. She stood in the open area by the door and after a few minutes she knelt down and put her head down on the front of the stroller, seeming exhausted or overwhelmed. A woman sitting closest to her turned and asked if she were alright.

I was really surprised, and impressed that someone would take the time to make sure a stranger was ok emotionally.

The young mother said that she was trying to quit smoking so that she could be healthy for her child and keep her child healthy but that she really felt like she needed a cigarette because she was so stressed out. The woman sitting next to her sympathized and said that wanting to smoke must be even harder because she knows that it's bad for her.

It was a touching moment. And then it was gone.

Let's hope that a stranger's sincere words helped that young mother resist temptation for just a little longer.

Seeing in a Different Light

Image originally uploaded by

sensesmaybenumbed

Today on the train...I was reminded about several things that I've seen that I just wouldn't expect to see.

The train drives by an assisted living home just before a station. One day in particular the train was slowing down to stop at the station, and some curtains were open in an upper window. What was I lucky enough to see? A old man's bare ass. Yup! I wished that I had someone else on the train with me that I knew because that could have been a great burst out laughing moment.

On many occasions I've seen stray dogs roaming the busy streets and my heart aches. I am an animal lover for sure. Sometimes I wish I could stop the train and go catch the dogs. Well, one day I didn't have to get off the train. A dog had gotten onto the station platform and as our train doors opened he climbed right on. He moseyed down the aisle and just as the doors were getting ready to close a man commanded it to get out. Even though he was a lost pup, it put a smile on my face.

Another situation that kind of surprised me happened just recently. Normally, especially during rush hour, people that are already seated on the train make room for others to sit down. We all know that we're tired and just want to get home. Well, there was a woman sitting on a two seat bench with her computer bag taking up 1/2 of the seat next to her. A young woman came on and politely said "excuse me", which is normally train speak for "make room for me". The woman sitting down didn't budge. She didn't even look up. The young woman said it again, "excuse me". She had the same polite tone, and still nothing. I know the feeling of not wanting to sit next to strangers, but come on. Some times you just have to suck it up. This young woman wasn't even sketchy looking. I would understand if she smelled weird or had a bunch of plastic bags with her.

What would you do if you were the woman sitting down?