My family decided to take the train downtown Saturday night to see Christmas lights. It was crowded and the only one of us who could get a seat was my sister Hannah so I gave her the job of holding Baby O. I stood next to her and my baby and we smiled and played as we rode to our destination. Occasionally the boy next to Hannah would look over at O and smile. I could tell he was very shy. At the next stop the boy next to Hannah stood as if to get off the train. "Here," he said, "you can sit next to your baby." I thanked him and sat down. When he took my spot standing and reached up for the hand hold, I realized he wasn't getting off the train but that he was offering his seat to me. Suddenly my thanks was not enough, but he was a shy boy and I didn't want to embarrass him.
So to the boy on the train tonight, let me say it again. Thank you. Thank you for your small gesture of kindness that means the world to me. Thank you for showing me that human kindness still exists. That you are aware of others around you, and conscientious of their needs and caring enough to inconvenience yourself for another. So often I see someone I could help, but for fear of rejection or embarrassment (of me or them) or just fear of leaving my comfort zone, I stay put. This boy didn't and he was such an example to me. Its such a small thing, but even now, four days later, I just can't help but smile when I think of the kind gesture.
I hope Olivia marries a boy like the boy on the train.
