redemption

a few months ago, i experienced and wrote about a part of my morning commute where i encountered a blind man in the subway station on the way to work. i had felt confused, a little lost, and lastly, guilty that i wasn't able to be helpful to the man who was struggling to board the subway train.

since then, i've been much more attune to the handicapped individuals who frequent 23rd street and our 1 train subway station. and this morning, when a different man entered the station using his walking stick to identify the end of the platform, i noticed right away. 

as the train arrived he used his stick to try to find the car entrance, and was speaking to a young woman who had been waiting next to him on the platform. she reminded me of myself three months ago. she was confused, didn't quite know what to do, and probably unintentionally ignored him and boarded the train. i walked over, linked my arm in his, and walked him onto the train and helped him to find a seat. 

the man thanked me and continued to make conversation with me for the next three stops until i reached my destination. his eagerness to make conversation made me wonder if he was lonely. i hope i was able to start off his day on the right foot and get him to where he needed to go.

in short, i felt a little bit of redemption because now i know better. and thankful for how blessed i am to have my health, family, and friends.