Stranger Kindness

Many things happen on the footbridge between PolyU and the Hung Hom MTR station. In the morning, usually between 8 and 9 am, several people, mostly women, would be distributing free newspapers.  I would pick some up along the way, without stopping, to supplement what I have read online before leaving home.

A few days ago, one of the ladies suddenly said to me, “Your foot seems to be getting better!”  I was so surprised that I could only blurt out a “Yes, it is better.” I figure that she must have seen me walked by and noted how I progressed - from walking gingerly and stiffly in the air cast fortified by a stick, to slowly with stick but no air cast, to finally walking freely.  But I cannot even remember what she looked like.  

Today I encountered her again and she asked about my foot.  I had a chance to stop and explain that a bone was broken, that it is indeed getting better and I can walk, but cannot yet run because it is not fully healed yet.”  She advised me to take it easy.  I thanked you for her concern.  

I am truly grateful, that a stranger would notice my predicament, note my progress, and take the trouble to offer a kind word of encouragement.  The world certainly be better with more people like her.