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Aug. 20th, 2010 09:38 amI almost started crying in a diner this morning.
But not because of stress. Now, these last two days have been all kinds of stressful, yes. My car broke down, I waited over an hour for a tow truck, and now I'm going to have to get the alternator and the battery of my car replaced. I'm nervous that I won't get to check in to my dorm on time, or that I'll have to scramble to get my new ID card and books at the last minute. I'm worried that the mechanic won't get my car fixed today and that I'll have to spend another night in a hotel, where the only places within walking distance to eat are fast food joints. Yeah, I'm pretty nervous.
But I'm also so incredibly thankful and proud of the human spirit right now. I think that everyone has a tendency to fall into the way of thinking that humans are scum, and that everyone is only interested in themselves. But if I've learned anything from this experience, it's that people are amazing.
When I was waiting for the tow truck, out on the side of the highway in the middle of nowhere, freaking out because my cell kept dropping its signal, a nice old couple in a pick up truck pulled over in front of me and asked me what had happened. They offered to use their own Triple A card to call for a tow for me, and even offered to try and jump-start my car. I let them know that I was okay, and had already called for help, but I was very grateful for their offer. A few minutes after they had left, Triple A called me and apologized for the wait, and wanted to make sure that I was okay.
Once my car had been towed back into a nearby town, the mechanic that had towed it offered to fix my car, even though he didn't specialize in imported cars and didn't have the parts, but went out of his way to make sure he could track down the parts and have the delivered overnight.
I sent out a mass text to my friends to let them know what was going on, and the support they showed me was amazing. Within moments of sending it out, I got texts and calls from people, wanting to know if I was okay. A few even offered me monetary help, even though they don't have jobs. I was so touched by their kindness, and thank each and everyone of them.
This morning was what really did it, though. When I went into that diner alone, the hostess seemed to be able to tell that I was stressed, and was very kind and gave me my own booth. The place was very busy and understaffed, but the waitress that served me made sure that I got everything quickly, and even though it was obvious she was upset by the way the patrons were being so snippy that morning, she as so incredibly sweet and helpful. That little bit of kindness from someone I didn't know, and who didn't even have any idea about what was going on with my at the moment, was so amazing.
The world can be a harsh and cold place sometimes, but it is so amazing and heartening that people are so willing to help someone who's in trouble.
But not because of stress. Now, these last two days have been all kinds of stressful, yes. My car broke down, I waited over an hour for a tow truck, and now I'm going to have to get the alternator and the battery of my car replaced. I'm nervous that I won't get to check in to my dorm on time, or that I'll have to scramble to get my new ID card and books at the last minute. I'm worried that the mechanic won't get my car fixed today and that I'll have to spend another night in a hotel, where the only places within walking distance to eat are fast food joints. Yeah, I'm pretty nervous.
But I'm also so incredibly thankful and proud of the human spirit right now. I think that everyone has a tendency to fall into the way of thinking that humans are scum, and that everyone is only interested in themselves. But if I've learned anything from this experience, it's that people are amazing.
When I was waiting for the tow truck, out on the side of the highway in the middle of nowhere, freaking out because my cell kept dropping its signal, a nice old couple in a pick up truck pulled over in front of me and asked me what had happened. They offered to use their own Triple A card to call for a tow for me, and even offered to try and jump-start my car. I let them know that I was okay, and had already called for help, but I was very grateful for their offer. A few minutes after they had left, Triple A called me and apologized for the wait, and wanted to make sure that I was okay.
Once my car had been towed back into a nearby town, the mechanic that had towed it offered to fix my car, even though he didn't specialize in imported cars and didn't have the parts, but went out of his way to make sure he could track down the parts and have the delivered overnight.
I sent out a mass text to my friends to let them know what was going on, and the support they showed me was amazing. Within moments of sending it out, I got texts and calls from people, wanting to know if I was okay. A few even offered me monetary help, even though they don't have jobs. I was so touched by their kindness, and thank each and everyone of them.
This morning was what really did it, though. When I went into that diner alone, the hostess seemed to be able to tell that I was stressed, and was very kind and gave me my own booth. The place was very busy and understaffed, but the waitress that served me made sure that I got everything quickly, and even though it was obvious she was upset by the way the patrons were being so snippy that morning, she as so incredibly sweet and helpful. That little bit of kindness from someone I didn't know, and who didn't even have any idea about what was going on with my at the moment, was so amazing.
The world can be a harsh and cold place sometimes, but it is so amazing and heartening that people are so willing to help someone who's in trouble.
