I was on the subway this morning coming back from a meeting with a client. It seemed as if everyone was in a good mood – looking forward to the holidays and the long weekend.
Everyone was sitting quietly awaiting their destination.
Then, this fairly young, good looking man walked through the adjoining subway car doors.
He was wearing army pants and a nice crisp army sweatshirt. It was evident he had pride in how he wore his army gear.
I offered him my seat. He looked at me and said, “No!” in a very shameful, almost embarrassed voice.
Immediately, this look came across his face.
A look of, “I can’t believe I’m about to do this and I really don’t want to do this.”
I just sensed it. He seemed disgraced at himself.
Right after that, in a loud enough voice, so everyone could hear him over the rumbling subway he said, “Hi. My name is Bill. A year ago I was in Iraq, serving our country and unfortunately, I lost my leg. My upper thigh is now becoming infected and I really need money to stop the infection from spreading. I’d really appreciate anything you can do to help! Thank you!”
As he was speaking you could hear a pin drop. I’ve never seen anything like this.
After he spoke about 90% of the people on the car pulled out their wallets and took out a dollar or two. It was amazing.
Bill wasn’t proud of what he had to do. He seemed disgraced at himself. I saw the look on his face right before he was about to do his shtick and as he was collecting money.
Bill’s expression on his face is an expression I will never forget.
I think everyone on the subway won’t forget it anytime soon, either.
All politics aside, sometimes, we need to just be. To live in the now and enjoy our surroundings.
We are all so lucky. Enjoy your health. Enjoy your friends. Enjoy your family. Enjoy.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!