kindnesses

as i was walking home today from my bus i noticed two men wandering along one of the new bus stops on broadway. they encountered the temporary barrier and walked around it, then down the bus stop as i passed them along the sidewalk and went across the street. i kept an eye on them while i waited for the light to change so i could continue on my way.

they came to the end of the bus stop and could not decide where to go at first. i decided to go back and see if they needed help. as i crossed back over the street and headed towards them they left the stop and headed back towards the sidewalk, but instead veered aside, traveling up the bike lane, lost. i sprinted to catch them before they encountered a vehicle and tapped the taller man on his arm politely. he took my hand and then told his friend to talk to me.

i asked if they needed help to find where they were going and he told me that they were attempting to find 8oz burger bar. i told him that i could take them there and led them to the sidewalk then down to the intersection where we crossed union and broadway. along the way the man asked me what was going on that had caused them such confusion. i confirmed that there was construction going on and that they had ended up at a bus stop across the bike lanes from the sidewalk. it's all kind of confusing, i told him, and that we are all getting used to the new changes. he told me that they were going to 8oz for the first time and i told him that the food there is delicious which he was glad to hear.

we arrived at the restaurant doors and they thanked me as we parted ways, strangers still, but two nice men in my memories, a polite touch and kind voice in theirs.

in this season of thankfulness, warm fuzzies, and gift giving i urge everyone to remember to be kind, notice when others need help, and to take the small amount of time out of your life to be there for someone who needs it. we make the world a better place by our actions, no matter how small. even a smile can make someone's day all the brighter and change it for the better.