I am walking with you
Last week I had an opportunity to go to Door County, Wisconsin for a mid-summer getaway. If you have never been to what I affectionally call the pinky finger peninsula that sticks out into Lake Michigan, I highly recommend it and I can give you, my favorites.
On this trip we stayed in the little village of Fish Creek which is on the Green Bay side. The first morning there I woke up early to go for a walk down main street, past the little beach, boat dock on my way to sunset beach.
As I approached the main intersection of main street, I saw a young man riding his bicycle down the hill to turn onto main street. He took the corner too quickly and crashed right in the middle of the intersection. He fell on his side, and I saw him get up he had blood dripping from his face. Another couple also came to his aid with napkins from their car. As I approached him, I asked if there was anyone, I could call for him. He shook his head no. I asked him if he wanted me to call 911 and he said no. He said he was going to be late for work. From his T-shirt I asked if he worked at Julie’s Café. He said. Yes, as a cook. I’ve been here for 3 weeks, I’m from Jamaica. I told him I was walking towards Julie’s, even though I was walking in the opposite direction.
In that moment, I thought what is the best way I can help this young man?
Just walk with him.
I pushed his bicycle as he continued to apply pressure to stop the bleeding above his eyebrow. We just walked and talked for about 10 minutes. He said he saw this opportunity to come to Door County and work in the summer. He applied, got it and jumped on plane to Wisconsin. He said he really enjoyed the people he works with, and everyone is very nice and friendly. We made it almost to Julie’s when the bleeding stopped, and he said he would ride his bike slowly to work.
A few hours later we went to Julie’s for brunch – they do have the best Door County cherry stuffed French toast – I asked our waitress if Hakeem was ok. She looked at me as asked how I knew him. I told him I saw him crash his bike this morning and walked with him to make sure he was ok. She got him from the back. He has a few bandages on his face. He saw me. Gave me a big smile and I stood up he gave me the biggest hug and said Thank You for walking with me. Thank you for making sure I was ok. I really appreciate your kindness.
Sometimes in life we need someone to walk with us for a while to make sure we are ok.
This week, be mindful, who can you walk with?
It can be a brief encounter like mine. It can be a friend who needs a little extra boost of support. Maybe a co-worker who is struggling or a neighbor who needs simple kindness.
Or do you need someone to walk with you?
If so just ask
With Joy,
Sarah
