Strangers No More
Austin, TX | ©️ 2024 Alicia Kae Miller
My nature makes looking away when I see someone struggling impossible.
So, on a recent walk with a thirty-minute hard stop, I turned the corner on an unfamiliar street and noticed a woman having difficulty gaining her footing in what I assumed was her front yard.
As I neared, she attempted to pick up what looked like a month's worth of mail scattered on the ground surrounding her mailbox, and finally, I understood the issue. This stranger who would soon become my friend was gingerly trying not to fall over because if she did, she would not be able to get up on her own.
At that moment, my empathy turned into compassion.
Despite realizing the problem, I paused and introduced myself. After a brief name exchange, I asked for her permission to help instead of immediately jumping in (another behavioral trait) after learning long ago that offering the recipient of your generosity a choice is akin to dignity, which we all rightly deserve.
As we overcame multiple obstacles to get her safely back inside, I would be remiss if I did not mention the low-level anxiety that I experienced due to the unexpected shift in my schedule.
However, Miss Georgia's genuine gratitude humbled and reminded me that I was with a fellow human who deserved my entire focus. Thus, putting her needs above mine in that moment helped me to see beyond myself.
Walking away, I noticed an elderly man watching me like a hawk nearby with an "Abide No Hatred" flag draped above his garage. As we held each other's gaze, I smiled, nodded silently, and whispered, I, too, believe in greater compassion and less hate.
Until we meet again, remember Ram Dass's words: "We're all just walking each other home." ❤️
Yours in Solidarity, -akm
October 2024