In Such Poor Health Walking Was Impossible Until a Fellow Passenger Virtually Carried Me to a Restroom.

During my nineteenth year, my daily commute involved an crowded coach. It was perpetually crowded and was consistently without any seats by the time I stepped aboard.

One particular morning, I began feeling terribly ill as the bus rocked around every turn. I continuously reassured myself to persevere for a few more stops until the bus arrived at where I needed to get off, so I could then rush hurriedly for the nearest washroom to vomit.

As we neared the avenue close to the stop when I understood I wasn’t going to make it. In an instant, it seemed a curtain fell over me. The world became white and really quiet; similar to when one muted everything. My mind raced, “I am about to pass out”.

Thankfully, I was positioned toward the front on the bus, so I took a few steps toward the driver and asked the driver to stop, informing him I was going to vomit. He opened the doors and I hurriedly stepped out onto the street.

My intention was to avoid being sick in view of a busy multi-lane road, so I forced myself up and started trying to walk toward the green space on the other side, where I believed I’d at least be able to find some privacy among some shrubs to vomit. Yet I likely blacked out. I could feel my body but I was unable to walk or see clearly, so I began inching my way to the park.

“You right, love?”

At that moment, I was lifted up. I sensed someone holding me and a man’s voice asked, “Everything alright, love?” I explained to this kind passerby that I needed to get to a bathroom. Thus, he practically helped me walk into a nearby building and guided me in the ladies’ toilets. He asked me if I wanted him to remain with me but I said no.

A few minutes later, I had recovered to the point of sitting on the toilet when from beyond the door I heard him inquire, “Do you need anything, love? Is there anything you require?” I wasn’t able to rise at that moment but I was able to express my gratitude and after a few more minutes regained the function of my limbs. I got myself home and then spent several days getting over what turned out to be a nasty tummy bug.

I did not see that man’s face – only his legs along with a sizable metal toolbox he was carrying – but he saved me, during a time when I was completely helpless.

Often this world has a way of making you defensive, aggressive and competitive. His was the sort of gesture that reverses that emotional callousness. He was proof that humanity’s innate tendency is towards kindness, something I love about my fellow humans.