One of the first things that was ingrained in my mind when I started driving was to never ever stop and pick up hitch hikers or strangers on side of the road. Sometimes I’ll see people walk – man or woman and I’m tempted to offer them a ride, especially if the it’s cold or raining; but I know better with all the crazy lunatics out there!
Well, last night I broke that rule that’s been engraved in my memory. The kids have been staying after school later due to play practice. I went to pick them up as usual…our weather is getting colder, it’s windy and now that the time has changed, it was also dark out by 5:00pm. Shortly after I pulled out of the school parking lot, drove in the direction of our home, and over the highway and to my right, I saw these little feet scattering trying to keep up with the woman walking pretty brisk beside them. She was dressed dark and it was a little difficult to see them until you got up closer.
I told the kids I was going to stop to give them a ride. No one said anything at first. I pulled over a head of them and I am thinking…this lady is either relieved or scared to death that someone just stopped their car. Personally, I’d be nervous. She was coming towards my vehicle but didn’t look like she was stopping at all. Can you blame her? I’d keep walking to, or run for that matter.
All of a sudden, my youngest shouts out, “Mom, that’s my little lunch buddy!” as I rolled down the window to call for her and to let her know right away that we were from the same school. Maybe it would ease some fear that she may have had. I offered to give her and her little boy a ride home. Immediately, this little boy shouts out, “Mommy, he’s my school lunch buddy!” My son sits at his table during lunch. Ahhhh…
At this point I think everyone is feeling safe! The woman and I introduced ourselves and she directed me towards her address. She had about 2.5 miles to walk. For walkers, that’s not really a long walk…but for a little boy with small feet trying to keep up with his mommy…not to mention it was cold, windy and dark outside, 2. 5 miles could seem like eternity.
I was glad that I was able to give this mommy and her son a ride to their home while thinking, “What if that was me?” Let me be clear…incase you think I’m crazy. I would never ever encourage anyone to pick up strangers…but for me last night, it just felt right at that moment. That I was suppose to do it…and they really weren’t strangers after all. At least not between my son and this woman’s. She was so appreciative.
You know what? This situation really made me so grateful that I have a car and that my children have transportation to and from school. I’m not taking anything for granted!
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
that was a awesome story and so cute that the kids knew each other
Awesome story. You’ll be “moved” to stop for the people who need you to stop for them. I once gave a ride home to a handicapped lady who was stranded at the gas station. How strange to have a stranger approach you after dark at the gas stop, but her voice and eyes were sincere. She couldn’t have gotten home at that hour by herself. Anyway, it was my husband and I who drove her home and she thanked us profusely. I never saw her again.
It’s such a useful practice to first be grateful for what we do have. Having the money to put gas in the car, having a car, and having places to go are all things that we can show gratitude for having.
beautiful story Duong! a truly beautiful soul you are!