It’s Tuesday, the day after the snow storm that paralyzed New York City for a whole day, but like always, she got up off the mat and got on with her business, explaining why I’m out in my Teddy Roosevelt boots en route to the post office. 
I see an elderly couple standing on the corner of 86th and Third. They have the light, yet don’t cross.
It only takes a second to see why.
There’s an imposing layer of ice they’ll have to step on that looks threatening.
After almost falling twice, understanding what it’s like trying not to slip, extend my hand to the woman who looks at me, grabs it and safely makes it over.
I hear a muffled thank you beneath her mask and plastic visor.
Now her husband, I’m assuming that’s who he is since, they seem too old to be living in sin, as my mother would say, had his macho out, waving me away as if I were a big fly.
Yet, he still doesn’t move. The woman says,”Come on Charlie or we’ll be late.”
My arm, that’s getting tired, is still out, so he finally takes it and they press on.
Now it’s my turn, and I too am a little hesitant.
A handsome young man of color is coming towards me the other way. He’s so nicely dressed, he could be a J. Crew ad.
When he sees me stalled like a stuck car, reaches out his hand, gently helping me across.
“Thanks a lot,” I said, thinking….
kindness…it resonates, or in this case…snowballs. 🙂 
SB
The best example of “what goes around comes around.” I’m glad your kindness was returned.
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Cause and effect…karma…reaping what you sow. Yup…!
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As the twig is bent.
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Never heard that one.
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So grows the tree
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Ah….:)
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Proof that when you give to others what they need you will, in turn, be given what you need.
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I’ve always believed that, even if it’s perceived as magical thinking.
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And that’s how it’s done! Lovely. Paying it forward in such a simple and beautiful way.
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Remember that film with Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt? Before he was busted for his alleged shenanigans. Paying it Forward.
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Kindness snowballing, even in Manhattan!! Marvelous! I loved your photos, too.
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It looked like a Currier and Ives print, but then…in a New York minute, as they say, it was business as usual. 🙂
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Love, love, love this! We don’t get that here in So Cal. Not because it doesn’t snow (it actually does, we had a light dusting last week but it melted in 30 minutes), but because no one walks. It’s all cars. Lovely story!
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Well hello Madam. We’ve missed you at a thingirl.com. Hope you’re staying safe. Thanks, as always.
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Aww, thanks!
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Aww, you’re welcome. 🙂
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That’s such a great story, just people helping each other out. Your tales of daily life always cheer me. I had one of my new students who was afraid of slipping on the ice, so I sent her a link to some ice cleats, as I call them, things you slip over your boots to give you traction. Stay safe and warm!
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I know of these cleats…like football players wear. Thanks for saying such kind things David. Like rays of sun, shining through my window.
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My pal broke his hip falling whilst taking his Christmas lights in. Then he caught Covid in hospital. He’s 82! It’s no joke falling over. Best stay upright, if you can. It’s good to have a helping hand.
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So sorry. Hope he’s okay.
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He’s on the mend, thanks.
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That’s good news. 80 is chancy. 🙂
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Susannah, the Beatles song ‘Hands across the water’ immediately popped into my head. And ice is frozen water, ha ha!
Karma can be a very good thing.
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I knew a girl names Karma. Her parents were Buddhists then got tired of it but she still had that name. sigh
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SB
This was Abbey Road meeting Pay It Forward. And it’s the simplest things that often resonate with us. It’s that little smile you probably had fixed to you later on, wondering where it came from before going “Oh yeah . . that was cool”.
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I had a couple of those this week that left me downright weepy. Love the Abbey Road reference. I at once saw the cover of the ablum with the Fab 4 walking in line across the street. 🙂
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It all comes together. Fab 4 with your story. Like the universe just made breakfast for us.
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Eggs over, well done rye toast…a schmear’a butter…hold the potatoes . Coffee…a silo full.
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One azucar, por favor.
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Nothin’ like a bi-lingual man. sigh…I’m coming to Heroes very soon…when I come back home. 🙂
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Muy bien, Senorita.
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Think nothing of it, Senor.
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Well done. A slip on the ice at that age can be very bad. Bristle bones…
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For anyone. We’re now expecting more. Hope to get a run in before Mother Nature does one of her mean Tangos.
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Mother Nature’s tangos… Hmm. You might even have a story there.
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You have to admit, between a plague and screwy weather, she sounds not too happy. Of course, we’re ruining the planet, her canvas, at the speed of light, so you can hardly blame the girl. sigh
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Reminds me of an old Doors song.
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Which is??? My favorite Doors lyric…don’t you love her madly, as she’s walking out the door…bop bop 🙂
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What have they done to our fair sister?
Ravaged and plundered and bit her
Stuck her with knives in the side of the dawn…
“When the music’s over…
…Music is your only friend,
Until the end…
(Still got – and play – most of their LP’s)
You’re a woman of taste…
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I love this…never heard it. Thanks. 🙂
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Here’s the full song from the album “strange days”. Brace yourself. 10-12 minutes. But a masterpiece:
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Thank you. So nice. 🙂
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