BY JOELLEN COLLINS
If we were at a large airport and noted a rather elderly lady with white hair, a carry-on, a sling and a cane, though not seriously incapacitated, most of us would ask if she needed help. During my recent trip to California, I may have been that woman who was flustered after waiting seven hours with delays, then cancellation, then a long line for rebooking. My previously scheduled two-hour flight to SUN instead developed into two days and three planes, but I am not angry at the airline. Traveling often entails some problems. I’m glad we didn’t take off in the middle of a severe windstorm.
Indeed, during this time many people offered me chairs or a strong hand. One highlight surfaced after hours awaiting baggage at the claims department. At one point, when a man a tad out of line tried to wiggle into my space, the gentleman already waiting in front of me turned around to me and said, “Please go before me.” Kindness personified.
Then there were the times I had spent while in San Francisco as a passenger with uniformly friendly and considerate Uber drivers from all over the world, of mixed races, genders, and ages. Most were surprisingly talkative when I asked, “How are you?” and occasionally we had conversations. My last driver, who was named Vladimir (I smiled because I would easily remember that name), mentioned that his daughter was about to complete a master’s degree at U.C. Davis, so I could congratulate him and his family on their success. Another driver, a young woman from Portugal, drove back after she dropped me off, worried when she saw me waiting at my destination.
Other goodwill evidence: My guest house hosts cooked their lavish breakfasts for me with lactose-free ingredients without any qualms or irritation. My grandson (young gentleman) took my hand wherever we walked because he didn’t want me to fall. Before I could move back into my condo, friends let me stay with them for two nights and cooked fabulous meals. I picked up my dog from dogsitters who adored her as if she were their own. The day after returning, I was parked at St. Luke’s parking area and struggling to get a large clump of ice off my car’s hood, when a man nearby insisted on finishing the job. And then I saw the best doctor ever, another reminder of our caring helpers. And then, as I was emptying a heavy suitcase from my car, a neighbor voluntarily helped me unload my baggage and other goodies and take them to my door.
I am currently making serious decisions about the rest of my life.
Whatever befalls, I will remember the kindness of strangers, and I am blessed with loving family here and in SF, lifelong friends to hug. I also know there will be good people around me, and I will make new friends.
I hope always to keep MY sense of consideration for others — to pay it back.