I’m no saint or hero and I’m not trying to blow my own trumpet but I want to raise an interesting issue, based on an experience I had this morning. I’d really appreciate getting your comments on this one.
As I was cycling up a hill on the way to work this morning I noticed a group of five young children, probably around the age of 10 to 12. One boy was riding his scooter downhill on the footpath.
A steep hill, a small boy, a footpath and a scooter is not always a great combination. Three quarters the way down the hill the boy and the scooter parted ways.
This looks serious
The boy lay motionless on the footpath. I looked around to see who would help. The woman on the pushbike nearby kept riding. The woman walking with her very young child kept walking. I headed across the road to see what I could do. Thankfully he started moving.
As he got up I could see many scrapes and bruises. I could also see that he was shaking. I was able to direct him to sit back down while he dealt with the initial shock of his high speed collision with the pavement. One of the girls had a mobile phone so they called his mum. I suggested they make sure that she was told that he was OK, just a little scraped and shaken.
Emergency over
Once I was sure that everything was under control I jumped back on my bike to continue the journey to work. (It’s hard work getting started again half way up a steep incline.) The children all said thank you for stopping …. a number of times.
What would you do?
I wonder what you would do in that kind of situation. I wonder why other adults in the area just kept going about their business.
I know that I think twice before stepping in when kids are involved. As a society we’ve been trained to think the worst whenever an adult male is interacting with young children. I was certainly glad that there was a group of children so that I wasn’t dealing with the boy on my own.
Is there a reluctance to help others these days? Are we concerned about what others might think? Are we too busy to care? Are we worried about our liability if something goes wrong?
Would you stop to help someone who is injured or in distress?
As I said earlier, I don’t think I’m a saint or a hero, I’m just someone who saw a need and jumped in. I’d like to think that that’s normal but I’m wondering now how normal it is. I’d appreciate your comments.
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Not a saint Rodney but a caring adult who saw someone in need and helped accordingly.
These days far too many people are so wrapped up in their own needs that they do not think about those around them. Alternatively it is the fear that people will think they have overstepped the line.
I think it is part of living in a society where we really have reduced the amount of actual face to face social (and professional) interactions we have with people. With social media such as twitter, emails, mobile phones, the internet etc people are rapidly forgetting how to actually interact with others be it socially, professionally, in relationships, as parents. Too many of us look for the quick fix to situations because we are so wrapped up in the high speed race that is our lives. Years ago, your actions would have been the norm rather than the unusual.
I appreciate your concerns about approaching a young boy as a man, what with the societal fears of child abuse and kidnapping. Isn’t it sad that we have come to the point where someone would rather walk away from someone who has been injured simply for fear that we will be accused of ill intent?!
I remember last year, I was driving, with my husband, past the beach near our home. As we drove, I noticed a woman who was sitting alone on a bench crying. We drove a little further and then I told my husband to go back. He returned to where she still was, so I got out and quietly approached her and asked if she was ok. Thankfully she didn’t get angry or upset and thanked me for my concern and asked me to sit with her. For the next half hour she proceeded to tell me about some problems she was having in her marriage, and that her husband was dying. I, a complete stranger, sat with her and held her hand while she cried. At the end of the time, when she had calmed down, she smiled at me and hugged me and thanked me for listening. That was the only time I saw her. I could have kept on driving, but I chose to stick my nose into someone else’s business for all the right reasons – just like you did today.
Too often we don’t become involved for fear that we will be rebuked. You did a good thing today Rodney. As a mother of 4 children aged 3 to 11 I thank you for stopping for that child. Our world needs more people like you.
Good on you Rodney, you did everything right.
Your actions were spot on, Rodney. You helped, but didn’t do TOO much. I’ve witnessed many kids wipe out on their feet-powered transportation of choice, and I always ask if they are ok before moving on, even if they appear ok.
With your story I remember the Parable of Good Samaritan(Luke 10:25-37)and you are one of a few good Samaritan. Keep it up! 🙂
You most definitely did the right thing. There is this story in the Bible… Well done my Samaritan friend.
where were you last Wednesday!?!
i took a big fall while walking downhill on a rough road that has no footpath and had to step to the side as a car came past, missed footing on uneven surface and hit the ground with full frontal impact, ripping a hole in my trousers and blood everywhere from my knee, slightly winded myself and struggled to get back upright
there were several adults standing nearby in the park, not one of them called out or came over to help, i managed to struggle back up the hill to work, where my boss administered first aid
you did the right thing Rodney, and Bron, reading your story bought a tear to my eye
its nice to know there are still some people around who go where they are led to help
I am impressed that the children said thank you a few times. They really appreciate you stopping by to help them. Going out of our way or being inconveniencedto help another is definitely showing God’s love in action.
just me
If no one else stopped, I would have. And if it was just to call ambulance. Sadly we had a bad experience with an adult. Spouse helped the man to his feet, ambulance came right over (Christmas Markets) and asked Spouse to wash his hands immediately. They knew this sick man and put on gloves before helping.
It was a weird and maybe dangerous situation and I think I´d be careful and not touch people if unsure about their looks.