Friday, October 30, 2009

The Cab Driver....Compassion at its finest......

This email has been around more than once, but such a lesson is taught.....Betty
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> I arrived at the address where someone had requested a taxi. I honked but
> no one came out. I honked again, nothing. So I walked to the door and
> knocked. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear
> something being dragged across the floor.
> After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood
> before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil
> pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.
>
> By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one
> had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets..
>
> There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the
> counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and
> glassware.
>
> 'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to
> the cab, and then returned to assist the woman.
>
> She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.
>
> She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her. 'I just
> try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated.'

> 'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said. When we got in the cab, she gave
> me an address, and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'
>
> 'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.
> 'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a
> hospice'.
>
> I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have
> any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.'
> I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.
>
> 'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.
>
> For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the
> building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.
>
> We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when
> they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse
> that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
>
> Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner
> and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
>
> As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm
> tired. Let's go now'
>
> We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low
> building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed
> under a portico.
>
> Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were
> solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been
> expecting her.
>
> I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was
> already seated in a wheelchair.
>
> 'How much do I owe you?' she asked, reaching into her purse.
> 'Nothing,' I said
>
> 'You have to make a living,' she answered.
>
> 'There are other passengers,' I responded.
>
> Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me
> tightly.
>
> 'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.
>
> 'Thank you.'
>
> I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind
> me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.
> I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in
> thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman
> had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?
> What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven
> away?
> On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important
> in my life.
> We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
> But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what
> others may consider a small one.
>
>
> PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, BUT THEY
> WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.


> Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as
> well dance.

> IN GOD WE TRUST---

14 comments:

Abi Tucker said...

I love your post!

Heather said...

what a great lesson to be had. sweet email.

Connie said...

Oh how true that is. We all remember someone who was especially kind to us at one time or other. Great post!

Sue said...

Good morning Betty. Enjoy your moments this fine day that the Lord has made.
Hugs,
Sue

Sue said...

Oh! Betty this is so wonderful,I agree, how true, as I experienced just this yesterday from you., when you took the time to come by and offer me your love and support. you made me feel great! I will always be so thankful.thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
Blessings
Sue

Reflection Through The Seasons said...

Dear Friend Betty....

What a heart-warming story, I’m so pleased you posted it for I haven’t heard it before. What a compassionate man the taxi driver was.... feeling the pain of that old lady as she took her last memory evoking trip around town.

I know I haven’t blogged or visited my blogging friends for a long time... I hope everyone hasn’t quite given up on me, for do intend to pick up the treads again soon. Have a blessed day. Marion

savvycityfarmer said...

this could not have been said any better .
I can always count on you for inspiration

I love it when we chat

Mary said...

Betty,

Each time I read this, it touches my heart. I have a button on my side bar that says, "People my not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember the way you made them feel." Feel free to take a copy. I'd love you to have it.

Have a great week.
Blessings,
Mary

Barbara said...

We never know how the slightest little action will affect someone's life.
I pray for God opportunities to touch a life.

So sorry tht yu have been so unwell betty but glad you are on the mend.

Ms.Daisy said...

Betty,
Thanks for stopping by and saying "hi!" I've missed visiting with you, too!



Jean

Ms.Daisy said...

Betty,
Thanks for stopping by and saying "hi!" I've missed visiting with you, too!



Jean

Sandi said...

Such a touching post..makes me tear up. Thank you for sharing Betty!!
Blessings~

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Lovely story...thanks for taking the time to share it with all of us!

TO BECOME said...

Dear Betty,I am so sorry that I have not been around too much lately. The Lord has been helping me recover from a small stroke that I had a few weeks ago. I am doing quiet well now.

I wanted to stop by and wish you and yours a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND to say that I am very thankful for the friendship we have had even through the e-net. You have been a blessing in my life. Thank you,connie