Day 71 - Compassion and Humility

Today is Election Day. For weeks, all I could think about was "I can't wait until these negative TV and radio ads are finally over." It isn't that I don't care about the VOTE . . . I care a lot about the VOTE and our political culture. But today, I witnessed something far more important than negative political ads.

I was at our local grocery store with my son. We were checked out and rolling past other baskets for the sliding exit doors. It was then that I noticed a women vomiting in a plastic grocery bag. Actually, and forgive me for being gross, she was spitting up, almost a dry heave, not really vomiting. I looked at her as we rolled the cart past her. She didn't notice us, she was busy trying to spit in the bag and I assume, not on the floor or anywhere else. I got out the door and stopped. I looked at Wyatt and said, "should we help her?" He hadn't noticed her, and even though he has always followed my lead when it came to rescuing puppies or helping someone in obvious need, he has also become somewhat less enthusiastic about getting involved since he hit adolescence. He asked me who I was talking about. I said we had just walked by someone who looked to be throwing up. "Do you think she needs help?" I asked again. He nodded yes and shrugged his shoulders at the same time. I turned around and walked back in. This woman, standing now, was reaching for another bag and a towelette from a wall dispenser. I asked her if she needed help. She said no, she was waiting on her sister. I asked if she was sure and put my hand on her shoulder. It was then that she looked up at me and our eyes met for the briefest time . . . "I'm okay, it's just my chemo, I'm okay." Her face was wet from tears and saliva. She was wiping her mouth and cheeks with a moistened antibacterial towelette. I asked if I could get her a wet paper towel, my hand still on her shoulder. She simply said no, she was okay, but "thank you." She walked back to the bench, where I had first seen her, and began to gag and throw up again.

As we walked outside, I was so moved by this event that I could hardly focus on getting the groceries in the car. Wyatt and I talked about it a little bit as we left the parking lot and drove home. We were healthy, comfortable, far removed from the poison running through that random woman's veins. But she isn't really random - She is someones sister, daughter, possibly mother and surely friend. She was hurting, struggling, weeping and vomiting uncontrollably, in a public place. No shame, total humility . . . I couldn't stop thinking about her. The strength and courage to put one foot in front of the other, to fight for your life. I can still see her face and I'm sure as I close my eyes tonight, I will continue to play the scene over in my head. 


What would you have done? There is no right or wrong answer. But it is an interesting question. I got nVolved before I stopped to consider whether I should or shouldn't. I must admit I was a little uncomfortable when I approached her. But I'm glad I did. I was trying to help her, but now I realize that this sweet lady gave me a lot more than I gave her. I hope I continue to see her face and think about her. I don't want to forget her. And I especially want to pray for her.

Be nTouch

Beauty revealed ~ May God Bless Her and ALL of us . . .