Unfiltered Story #18427

My hip replacement surgery is in four days. I have to get the next month’s Bible study lessons copied for the group before I’m out of commission for awhile. So, in spite of the unseasonable April blizzard, I drive to the office store to get my copies. I park in a handicap spot, hang my sign, and wrestle my walker out of the back seat.

Me (to myself): Ugh! … ouch! … go around that patch of ice, now … the tennis balls on the walker legs are going to be utterly soaked … why is it so far to the door …

Driver (stops car so I can cross)

Me: Go ahead! I’m too slow!

Driver: Thanks!

(I continue struggling through the slush. Suddenly:

Homeless dude who had been sitting on the sidewalk under the overhang: Here, let me help you!

(He opens an umbrella, holds it over me, and puts a hand on my arm)

Me: Oh, thank you so much!

Him: No problem!

Me: Oh … the curb … um …

Him: Take my hand and I’ll help you up.

I do, and he does. I thank him profusely, and he goes his way. I had no cash on me, but the human interaction warmed me and, I think, him too.