Kindness of Strangers

After an accident, I had a long journey to recovery in front of me

IT WAS EARLY ONE HOT MORNING in 2015 when, accompanied by my mother, I was gently wheeled across our quiet street in my wheelchair to the taxi stand. Three weeks earlier, I had broken my left ankle at home when it unexpectedly gave way. Now, with my ankle in a cast, I finally had an appointment at the Philippine General Hospital to be assessed for an operation to repair the bad break.

I was feeling nervous as I’d never had surgery before and the thought of it worried me. After waiting for a taxi for more than 90 minutes, we were still standing across the street from our house, trying to hail a ride. It usually only takes a few minutes, but on this particular Sunday taxis would pass by us either already filled with passengers or unwilling to take us. Perhaps they weren’t equipped to carry my wheelchair. My mother was starting to get frustrated as we were fast running out of time; our appointment was scheduled for 10.45am and we still had

to go through the admissions process and it would take up to 40 minutes to get to the hospital. Then a black SUV pulled over and stopped in front of us. The driver, taking a look at us, said, “You two look like you could use a lift!” He told us he’d seen us earlier as he was taking his son to a weekend school activity. He was now returning home and saw that we were still waiting there.

With no questions asked, this good Samaritan welcomed us aboard and got us to the hospital in 45 minutes. We arrived at 10.30 – just in time for my appointment. He refused any compensation, saying people should help one another. He left with a smile.

As it turned out, there was an available slot for me and I was finally operated on. A lengthy rehabilitation process and physical therapy followed and now I am able to walk again.

To this day we have not crossed paths again with this friendly driver who went out of his way, but his generosity towards us has stuck in our minds. I am very grateful to this kind stranger who has taught me to keep watch for and help others in need.