I believe in cause and effect, that what goes around, comes around.
You reap what you sow.
But yesterday, in my travels, karma never shined more brightly.
Karma’s definition, according to Webster’s…in Hinduism and Buddhism…the sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.
In other words, how you treat others is how you’ll be treated then, now and always.
I wrote two weeks ago about a young boy I helped who had taken a fall on a busy street (Best Story of the Week…January 18th).
Well on Friday, a young man his age, 16 or so, took the time to help me after I took a spill.
I was daydreaming when I tripped right in front of Grand Central Station. Dozens of people in their haste, moved around me as I sat, dazed, on the pavement.
This kid, taking out his earbuds, stopped and sat beside me.
“Are you okay?” he asked, placing his hand gingerly on my shoulder.
“I think so,” I said, ignoring my right knee that I slammed good and hard.
“Why are you sitting on the cold ground?” I asked, suddenly seeing he too was perched on his butt. “You didn’t fall too, did you?”
“No. I just didn’t want you to feel alone, or funny cause you fell.”
Isn’t that the sweetest thing you’ve ever heard?
He took my arm helping me up since my leg wouldn’t bend. It’s when I gratefully realized nothing could be broken if I could actually stand, more or less, solid on my feet.
He waited while I collected myself, and only left convinced, I was okay to resume flight.
I limped into the subway, got a seat on the train and thought about this kid.
Despite the persistent pain I’d have to spend the remainder of the day icing, I felt somehow grateful that it had happened. One because it reminded me to be more mindful, along with encouraging my future good works, I tend to call into question.
And of course, to just look, where the fuck I’m going.
SB
Nice story ugh! Especially that last line ! I thought u were an athlete.
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Well ya know Hal, even athletes should look where they’re going. 🙂
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SB,
You know why karma can be trusted? Because it’s a concept whose -isms are not scary or confrontational. Run into most -isms, and it’s not a good day, but karma keeps good company.
This may not have been instant karma for you, but it was pretty dern quick in the repayment. Glad you’re okay.
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Thanks. I am though incredibly sore. I’m lucky to say the least. Isms. Yes, they vary, don’t they.
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You take care of yourself Thin Girl.
And yeah, gotta watch those -isms.
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I dig…I dig…:)
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Coo. 😉
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I’m in bed reading The Maltese Falcon. Whoa! Talk about language. It simply purrs with noir. Written 1930. Makes me want to don a tight dress that breaks at the ankle with a velvety pair’a kitten heels.
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You’re sounding better already, Thin Girl. Yowza!
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Yowza. More Sorrylessese. 🎼
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Ain’t it just like a dame to put a thought to music.
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So Sam Spade you were just now.
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Does this mean I get to wear a fedora?
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And roll your own cigarettes. Lol
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I always wanted to roll my own cigarettes. Too bad I don’t smoke anymore.
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I think they come with a Fedora. One of those millinery specials. Gotta light?
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I’ll take it, the whole package. Is it available on Amazon? Next day shipping.
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You always have a quippy answer. You’re so slick.
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Quippy. I plead guilty to quipping your honor.
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Quip. Another one of those underrated words.
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It totally is! I love pulling that one out of my verbal tool belt when I’m in need of a quick fix.
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I’ve been waiting because I wasn’t sure if my comment was awaiting moderation or if I fucked up and accidentally flushed it, instead of posted it… d’oh…
So, lemme see if I can reproduce my sparkling and intelligent comment.
Oh, Susannah (sorry… not) (this part I remember)
What a perfect example of karma. I am a firm believer in receiving what you put out there, especially when it is good, and when it is given without any expectation of receiving in return.
Of course, if one chooses to send out crap…
And what a fabulously well-brought-up young man. To not only help you but to ensure you felt no embarrassment as a result of your fall. His mama should be proud.
And I hope your knee is doing better. Ouch.
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It was one of those eye openers that next time will be more severe. I’ve been up in my head lately rather than in the moment. And yes, that laddie was a sweetie alright making one wonder where he came from. Ork maybe. 🙂
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I can well imagine! And hopefully the next time does not come (the fall, not the grace).
Proof there are good ones out there. 😊
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What’s interesting is no one else seemed to even notice, as if we were characters in a two person play.
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The spotlight turns to the two prone figures, the rest of the cast dividing and disappearing into the darkness. We are now left with just the two, bearing witness to the human-kindness that exists…
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I love this. Save it. It’s so beautifully penned. ✍🏻
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Why thank you. I figured, since you have done some acting, I’d help set the scene 😉
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Well you sure did. I actually heard the curtain go up. 😲
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And the crowd silenced, holding their breath to hear what came next… 😉
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It’s a good thing it was free admission. 😴
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Oh don’t be so modest…😉
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I’m pawing the ground, ya know, like Seabiscuit. 🙄
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Haha! You are a card.
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An old expression I’ll bet Sorryless would appreciate. Now he’s a card. 😉
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Yes, and he should be dealt with 😉
Buahaha… I’ll have to redirect him to our “conversation” as the lad does not read others’ comments…
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I don’t blame him, he’s too busy writing. Amen to that.
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And so well… The man has a gift.
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His blog is one of the few I read.
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With good reason. I wish I could write half as well.
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I’ve caught a glimpse of your prose. You’re very visual…your photographer’s eye comes out.
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You are most kind.
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It’s true.
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That young man was incredible! Thanks for writing about him. I hope you will be out of pain soon.
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Thank you Anne. 🙏
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Cheers to karma, the teenager, and you honoring him. 🙂
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A short city tale.
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Oh Susannah, this IS one of the sweetest things I’ve ever heard. If so inclined, you should write a letter to the editor. We need to show that there are plenty of good youth out there, ready to take over the reins. I’m so tired of all the negativity. Thanks for sharing such an uplifting tale.
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I knew you’d appreciate him. So young yet so caring. Three cheers for his parents. 👍
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Love these kinds of interactions. How heartwarming that he sat down with you 💖
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Should have been filmed. 🙂
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It probably was, just not by you. Cameras are everywhere… crap!
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That’s true. Hope my fall wasn’t filmed. It was anything but graceful.
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Like Marcella said: “Give a little bit of love and you get it back.”
Thanks for warming me through this morning.
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You’ll have to admit it was rather interesting the same thing happened to me. He was like an urban angel dropped from the sky. Reminds me of Wender’s Wings of Desire.
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Nice to have a good Samaritan there. For all the help that you give to other people, it’s good that someone was there to lend a helping hand when you were in need. Glad nothing was broken. 🙂
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I was very lucky since I fell like a rodeo clown.
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I cause the most of my problems when I fail to look or hesitate or slow down…I hear you.
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I’ve been more attentive to my feet as of late. Dreaming less as I make my way. Not easy when you’re a dreamer by nature.
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Just pick different times to dream. I don’t quite dream as much anymore. Something I need to correct.
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What I learned from this is chivalry is alive and well in NYC. There are parents out there doing their damn job. Not all young people are engrossed in their phones. But, most importantly you do get what you give to this world and watching where you’re going is essential. (I never do)
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He was a sweetie alright. Somebody influenced him. Maybe it was your son. Was he around Grand Central lately when some knucklehead fell? Ask him…:)
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It better be my son out there helping damsels in distress!
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I know, or Columbo will have to be called. I love that you call your mother that. It’s too funny.
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