Sometimes you just might surprise yourself.
Today as I rounded the corner from Cafe Grumpy on 20th and 7th Avenue I saw a man (sweaty and covered in the smell of urine) in convulsions on the side of the street. I’ve never been in a true think-on-your-feet crisis situation and I am still shocked that I handled the situation semi-well— managing to call an ambulance, let the man know I was there with him until they arrived, holding his sweaty little hand…while garnering some support from two strangers on the street all within a matter of minutes.
I can’t tell you how it all came together, I was in some kind of zone where all I could think about was keeping him alive until they arrived - elevating his head, calming him down, doing everything I’ve seen on those fake hospital shows a million times…but he is now hopefully in recovery or getting treatment at Saint Vincent’s Hospital.
Ironically enough this weekend I was talking with friends about how jaded I’ve become when it comes to strangers since moving to this city. I’m not sure I’d always notice someone in distress or stop and help a confused looking tourist with directions (without being asked)…and I certainly don’t pay the homeless the attention that I used to when I first arrived here and would stop and give everything I could within reason to nearly every person in need that I encountered.
It isn’t that I care less, it’s just that I’ve become more comfortable navigating this city and find myself in my own world when walking around, oblivious to some instances in my surroundings rather than looking around to constantly make sure I’m going the right direction. I am pretty sure most of us are guilty of that.
Today, I’m sure I did what we all would do if we saw someone clearly in distress. I didn’t do anything special, but the man I helped did something special for me.
He reminded me to open my eyes more often to what is going on around me, make sure I’m not missing anything - be it a beautiful moment with happy strangers or a silent cry for help from someone in need.
He taught me to remember to always open my eyes - and continue to keep them open - a lesson I think we all can all take note of…to do what we can, in whatever ways we are capable and to really cherish and nourish our ability to give back, share, and help those in need.
Today I surprised myself in my ability to react with a sense of calm. I also surprised myself in how much I’d forgotten how important it is to actively make giving a part of your life, in each and every way you can.
Thanks for the reminder to think of more than just ourselves, as we all too often do.
