In Such Poor Health Walking Was Impossible As a Stranger Essentially Lifted Me to the Toilets.

At the age of my late teens, my morning travel involved an crowded coach. The vehicle was always crowded and was consistently standing room only by the time I stepped aboard.

One particular morning, I was feeling terribly ill as the bus rocked around every turn. I repeatedly told myself to persevere for a few more stops until the bus reached my stop, and then I could sprint quickly for the nearest public restroom to vomit.

We were coming down the avenue close to the destination as it dawned on me I was unable to last. Suddenly, it was like a curtain fell over me. Everything just went hazy and muffled; similar to when one turned off the audio. I said to myself, “I will lose consciousness”.

Luckily I was toward the front of the bus, so I took several steps toward the driver and requested that the driver to open the doors, telling him I was going to vomit. He opened the bus doors and I hurriedly stepped onto the sidewalk.

I was resolved to not get sick in front of a busy multi-lane road, so I gathered myself and endeavored to make my way across to the park on the other side, where I thought I could at least find some privacy behind a bush to throw up. Yet I apparently blacked out. I was aware of my body but walking was impossible or see clearly, so I started inching my way to the grassy area.

“You right, love?”

Right then, I was lifted up. I felt a strong arm supporting me and a man’s voice asked, “Everything alright, love?” I managed to tell the mysterious stranger that I had to to vomit. So he virtually carried me into an adjacent building and put me in the ladies’ toilets. He asked me whether I required him to wait for me but I said no.

After a short while, I felt better sufficiently to sit down and from outside the door I heard him ask, “Are you OK, love? Is there anything you require?” I could not to stand up at that moment but did manage to say thank you and after a few more minutes recovered the use of my limbs. I returned home and then spent the next few days getting over what was later diagnosed as a severe stomach virus.

I never glimpsed the stranger’s face – merely his legs and a large container for tools he held – but he saved me, at a moment I was in my weakest state.

Many times, life has a way of making you defensive, aggressive and competitive. His was the sort of gesture that reverses that protective shell. He was proof that our default setting leans toward compassion, something I love about my fellow humans.