Several years ago, in light of the tragic chain of events that led to the death of Jamie Bulger, I made a conscious decision that if ever I saw something that bothered my instincts I would say something. Over the intervening years a handful of instances have occurred where I have been compelled to act on this. For example, when on the way home from a night out with friends I saw a young child sitting by the roadside. This was at midnight and he was only about 8 years old...... I duly stopped, tried to reassure him and found out that he lived reasonably locally and had had a row with his mum and run off. We chatted for a couple of minutes and then he let me walk him home. One relieved mum and one boy safely indoors and off I went home.
Another time, I drove past my mum’s house to see a young man on a motorbike parked in her driveway......... This was definitely unusual so I did a couple of laps and he still sat there. Worrying he was casing the joint; I plucked up the courage to approach him to ask if everything was ok.................. It was not..................... It transpired that the young man had been sideswiped by a lorry turning right and was in so much pain he couldn’t move.... Ambulance and parents were summonsed and off he went to get his broken leg fixed...........
Now, last week was half term and I took oldest and youngest to the city to do a bit of shopping. We met with my lovely friend, Gingerwitch as she is known in the blogosphere and had a coffee and cake in John Lewis. Next to us were two ladies who looked to me like mother and daughter. We’d been there about 20 minutes, chatting and enjoying our cakes when it became apparent that the younger lady was very upset and crying. It all felt very strange and awkward. Daughter was being particularly enchanting – giggling, smiling, dancing about, which made the contrast to what was going on at the next table all the more acute........
So we finished our drinks and prepared to leave. I asked number 1 son to push his sister’s buggy and hovered. Then I leant over and said, I didn’t want to intrude and that I could see how upset she was and that she looked a lovely young lady and I hoped that whatever was causing her such distress would soon be resolved... At this point, both mother and daughter started crying..........
Was this the time I should have said nothing at all????
Another time, I drove past my mum’s house to see a young man on a motorbike parked in her driveway......... This was definitely unusual so I did a couple of laps and he still sat there. Worrying he was casing the joint; I plucked up the courage to approach him to ask if everything was ok.................. It was not..................... It transpired that the young man had been sideswiped by a lorry turning right and was in so much pain he couldn’t move.... Ambulance and parents were summonsed and off he went to get his broken leg fixed...........
Now, last week was half term and I took oldest and youngest to the city to do a bit of shopping. We met with my lovely friend, Gingerwitch as she is known in the blogosphere and had a coffee and cake in John Lewis. Next to us were two ladies who looked to me like mother and daughter. We’d been there about 20 minutes, chatting and enjoying our cakes when it became apparent that the younger lady was very upset and crying. It all felt very strange and awkward. Daughter was being particularly enchanting – giggling, smiling, dancing about, which made the contrast to what was going on at the next table all the more acute........
So we finished our drinks and prepared to leave. I asked number 1 son to push his sister’s buggy and hovered. Then I leant over and said, I didn’t want to intrude and that I could see how upset she was and that she looked a lovely young lady and I hoped that whatever was causing her such distress would soon be resolved... At this point, both mother and daughter started crying..........
Was this the time I should have said nothing at all????
13 comments:
It sounds like they were sad and vunerable and just overcome by the kindness of a stranger.
Don't worry, I think you did the right thing at the right time. When you pick the wrong time, people shout or throw things.
I do hope it was nothing terribly serious. I would have done the same thing in your shoes. If I had been on the other side of things, your kindness would have made me teary, too. If something is wrong and anyone, even a stranger, is kind to me, I will cry like a baby.
Keep doing what you do, love. You're caring for other people, and that is really why we are here.
No, you did exactly the right thing.
I am sure they were touched by your concern.
Your instincts are always right.
Always trust your gut.
Love
Suzy
MMOF, you were so right. I think we mainly go round in our little bubbles, and for someone to reach out to a stranger is overwhelming.
Don't ever think you're doing the wrong thing.
I suspect you very much did the right thing.
If, however, you did the wrong thing, then as the old saying does, two out of three ain't bad.
You definitely did the right thing, and very eloquently if I may say so. Of ten, I'd love to say something, but find it so hard to get the right words. Well done!mimi
meant often, not of ten! mimi
I think we must always follow our instincts, so you did the right thing! You followed yours.
I always say, go with the gut feeling, it's very rarely wrong. In fact you have brought to mind a situation; concerned or nosey? Think I will do a post about it. x
No, you just probably sounded kind and you know how that often starts the tears. Better to show a bit of human kindness than ignore anyone in distress.
That's my motto anyway.
Welcome Eliza. Hope I did.... And didn't get anything thrown at me so that can only be a good sign!
Hi Kaycie. So do I..... And without wanting to make everyone vomit, I do believe we should try and look after each other....
Suzy, I will always try and listen to my instincts. Love ya xx
Thanks Tina, seems to be the consensus.
Hey Freaky, I like your philosophy...
Hi Miriam and welcome. Thanks for the thumbs up.
Hi Maggie. Thank you!
Windy, glad to inspire.... I look forward to reading your thoughts.
Am with you S/M......
I think it was nice of you to speak to them. sometimes tears are not a bad thing...
a stranger may have saved my daughter's life a couple of months ago. i am forever grateful to this unknown "angel"
No it isn't. You sound like a genuine caring person, and I for one would much rather you "interfered" once for all the times you have obviously helped, potentially saving lives, preventing abductions and heartache.
Love your site. I gotta link.
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