Feeling So Sick Walking Was Impossible When a Man Essentially Lifted Me to a Bathroom.
At the age of 19 years old, my regular journey to work involved an crowded coach. It remained jammed and was consistently standing room only once I got on.
One particular morning, I was feeling quite nauseous as the bus swayed around each corner. I continuously reassured myself to endure just a little longer so the bus could reached where I needed to get off, and then I could make a mad dash for the nearest washroom to vomit.
As we neared the road leading to the stop when I understood I would not be to last. In an instant, it seemed a fog descended upon me. My vision turned hazy and muffled; as if someone turned off the audio. I thought, “I will lose consciousness”.
Thankfully, I was positioned toward the front of the bus, so I took a few steps toward the driver and told the operator to stop, explaining to him I was going to be sick. He promptly opened the bus doors and I stumbled out onto the sidewalk.
My intention was not to vomit in front of a busy multi-lane road, so I forced myself up and endeavored to walk to the park across the road, where I believed it would allow me to discreetly hide behind a bush to throw up. But then I must have fainted. I was aware of my limbs, but walking was impossible and my vision was blurry, so I began dragging myself toward the park.
“Are you okay, dear?”
Right then, I was lifted up. There was an arm around my waist and a man’s voice asked, “Are you okay, dear?” I told this kind passerby that I required to vomit. Therefore, he almost carried me down into an adjacent building and put me inside the women’s restroom. He inquired if I wanted him to remain with me but I said no.
A few minutes later, I felt better enough to sit on the toilet when from beyond the door I heard him ask, “Are you OK, love? Can I get you something?” I was incapable to get up just then but I was able to say thank you and after a few more minutes regained the function of my legs. I got myself home and then spent the next few days getting over what was later diagnosed as a horrible case of gastroenteritis.
I never saw that man’s face – merely his legs and the big steelwork tools container he was carrying – but he helped me, when I was at my most vulnerable.
Many times, life has a way of making you guarded, hostile, and combative. His was the sort of gesture that undoes that hardening of the heart. He served as evidence that people’s natural inclination leans toward compassion, something I love about humanity.
