A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.
~Amelia Earhart
One December day I was hurriedly moving along to get out of the extreme cold when I encountered an elderly, white-haired man. At first he solemnly shuffled along, seemingly lost within himself. His white bearded chin was lowered to his chest — giving me the impression his spirits were even lower. Yet something in his plump stature implied a regal grace even though he was wearing a frayed coat and baggy old pants that made him look like a derelict.
I felt sorry for this lonely looking stranger and wanted him to know someone cared. I smiled and said, “Isn’t this weather something? It’s so cold today that even the animals have ceased to play.”
Ignoring me, he kept right on walking.
Then… he abruptly stopped, swung around, and said, “I’m glad you spoke. Or today this old man would have forever given up hope on his fellow man’s ability to communicate friendliness.”
“I beg your pardon?” I said.
“You have nothing to be pardoned for,” he exclaimed. “It’s those who scurry about never acknowledging others who should ask to be pardoned. I’ve been searching this whole month to find one friendly person to engage me in some kind of cordial conversation… no matter who or what I appear to be. Instead, I receive hasty handouts of money. Apparently, these people seem to feel that’s all I’m worthy of.”
After hearing his sad words, I looked around us at the people who were rushing here and there. He was totally right. They were all intent on getting where they needed to go, as if they had tunnel vision.
“Furthermore,” he continued, as his face portrayed sorrow, “I couldn’t even find a smiling face. People just scurried about with deadpan looks. Nor did they bother to even say hello to anyone they didn’t know.”
As he talked, I searched his broad face with its dimpled cheeks for a sign of joviality. And then, suddenly, his pale blue eyes began to twinkle.
“And wouldn’t you know it,” he exclaimed, “I’m also negligent of losing my gladsome perspective. I got so caught up in my own thoughts and actions, that I, too, almost missed my chance to befriend someone.”
A smile warmed my face, but a shiver clutched at my heart. Not from the elements of the weather, but from the thought of someone emotionally pained over not being acknowledged as a human being, no matter what his station in life.
I asked him if he would like to share lunch with me at a nearby café. Laying his gloved finger aside of his impish nose, he gave me an affirmative nod, and then hastily grabbed my arm to direct me. At first, I had thoughts of being hustled, and then I felt ashamed. After all, I was the one who first spoke to him, because he looked like he needed some human contact.
After an hour of laughter and pleasant conversation with this memorable elf-like man, I reached for the lunch check. Immediately, my guest sprang from his chair and grabbed the check from my hand.
“Oh, no, you don’t! This is my gift to you for restoring my faith that there’s still congeniality in the hearts of mankind.”
As we left the café he surprisingly gave me a hug, and then exclaimed while bounding away, “Merry Christmas, fidus Achates (trusted friend).”
~Sylvia Bright-Green
