A complete stranger reached out to me today...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

I was going into my gym, and on the ramp there was a doctor taking a break. He looked at me, and said "Good morning. Beautiful day."

To which I replied, "Yes, it is."

He said "How're you doing?"

And I replied with a tiny pause "I'm ...OK."

"OK?"

I stopped then, and looked at him. I said "I'm going in tomorrow for a repeat mammogram."

He looked distressed. I continued "4 years ago, I had a papilloma removed from the same side. They told me it was a pre-cancer."

He nodded "Yes."

He went on to say "Those happen all the time. It wouldn't be any use for me to tell you not to worry, would it?"

"It sure wouldn't!" I said, as I proceeded inside...

But...

He had succeeded in making me, a complete stranger, feel better...

You just never know when or how you can help someone...

[Jokinomx]

1. A great story...

It does remind us that even the smallest positive comment can have an impact on someone's life.

Thank you for sharing.

:toast:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Because he helped me...

Now I can help others too, I hope...

Thank you...

:hug:

[Kingofalldems]

4. Sometimes you meet people-and it's not an accident

At least I think so.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. I believe that's true.

I've had it happen before...

And my life was changed.

[Jokinomx]

36. It's more than belief.... it happens everyday of your life.

It's just most of us don't realize it or recognize it. We are all in the this together. We are all on a journey together... a journey of learning and teaching. Every experience a person has is presented to that person because they need to learn something or teach someone or both.

I once was a salesmen... living in motels during the week. One evening I had to go to the front office of the motel for something. I saw this 19 or 20 year old guy sitting on the floor against the wall. He was all wet as it had been cold and raining that day. He looked miserable. I asked him what was the situation and he told me his college buddies had talked him into taking a 500 mile trip to Chicago. He reluctantly agreed. They said they would be back by Monday. Well it was Tuesday and he said they decided to stay for a few more days, but he had to get back for his schooling. He didn't have any money... so he started hitchhiking. In Milwaukee, he was picked up by a guy looking for more than just giving a ride to a young man trying to hitch a ride. He hadn't eaten for over a day... as stated he was cold and wet. I told him to hang on for a bit and I would help him out. I drove him to the bus station and paid for a bus ticket for him to get back to campus. You can imagine his gratitude. He said he would send me the money for the ticket...and some for helping him. I told him not to even think about it. Just be willing to help someone else when he sees the need.

I didn't know it then .. but I do know it now.. I was meant to meet him that night. I learned a special insight that night. Something that some people never realize... how good it feels to help others in need.

I am sure he will never forget that act of kindness either. I am sure my helping him has helped others that were in need and he happened to be there to help.

There are zero coincidences in life.

Slowly but surely, the conscious of man rises to understand such things. We are a long ways from completing this journey, but rest assured we are improving one person at a time.



Cheers...

:toast:

[DoBotherMe]

3. That was good of him

As Elwood P. Dowd said:

Years ago my mother used to say to me, she'd say, "In this world, Elwood, you must be" -- she always called me Elwood -- "In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant." Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me.

:hug: Dana ; )

[theophilus]

7. Thanks so much for posting. That is from one of my top five favorite

movies and I wish more folks, including me, were more like Mr. Dowd. Beautiful sentiment and a beautiful film. Harvey, of course.

[DoBotherMe]

9. I try, but I'm a bit hot-tempered

in need of concrete examples to turn the heat down, Jimmy's portrayal gives me that role model. I watch the movie at least once a month, the whole thing is hilarious. Glad to meet a kindred spirit!:hi: Dana ; )

[State the Obvious]

5. Not a coincidence...you were meant to hear his words.

I hope all the best for you.

"All shall be well....and all shall be well....All manner of things shall be well." O8)
(Julian of Norwich)

[Dappleganger]

16. I'm inclined to believe the same.

There have been more kind words directed my way by perfect strangers in waiting rooms than I care to shake a stick at.

[JuniperLea]

25. I'm so inclined as well...

It's like that old Repo Man "plate of shrimp" synchronicity theory... or, the ancient Chinese saying... when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.

I love coincidence... or do I?

:)

[theophilus]

6. Great post! I wish more on DU would imitate that behavior. Seriously. n/t

[BanzaiBonnie]

10. Always be as kind as you can

glad he was there to offer his kindness.

[monmouth]

11. Dear Peggy, Warm thoughts and good Irish prayers out to you. I

also believe words that were meant for you to hear come from somewhere we don't yet understand. Will be thinking of you..

[reggie the dog]

12. I was having a nervous breakdown

in the middle of town becaue my wife left me, my boss wanted to fire me etc. i was crying on the phone with my mom and this teenager (not even of the same racial group as me and from a group that is often at odds with us english speakers here in france, which made it that much cooler, asked me in broken english if i was ok and if i needed help or needed to find a doctor. that made my day and I told the story to my students

[CaliforniaPeggy]

13. My dear reggie the dog...

I am so glad he reached out to you! How powerful a message that is...

That you are worth something, something good.

And you are worth it, you know...

Please take care of yourself...

:hug:

[reggie the dog]

14. thanks

i will try to help someone i see having a shit day too, and not just once, i want to spread the love around this planet as much as i can (yet sometimes i spread anger too, but i want to spread more love than anger)

[JuniperLea]

26. That's a great story...

Very, very cool, indeed.

I stopped and helped a young man today... he was driving to work, and so was I. Someone pulled the classic 'gutter sneak' maneuver and t-boned the young man's van... it was his brother's surf van. He seemed quite surprised that I stopped. I gave him my business card, told him I saw the whole thing... he remembered seeing me as I yielded to his turn. I put his cell number into my cell phone, and then gave him a call once I got to work. He was so grateful, and still somewhat surprised, I think, that this lady, old enough to be his mother, would stop and help... there was nothing in it for me but warm, blue fuzzies:) He said "it was more than a good Samaritan thing...." That really choked me up! He reminded me of my oldest son when he first started college.

I had to stop... I felt compelled to stop. I'm so glad I did. I expect the youngster that stopped to inquire with you felt the same human bond.

[lunatica]

15. Dearest Peggy, I hope everything turns out well for you

I try to school my face into a pleasant expression with a little bit of a smile all the time and I think it works because strangers smile back all the time. I started doing it after I became badly depressed when Bush was re-elected. I went into a four month depression, or maybe it was more like grief with all its stages. Then I decided that it was really awful to feel so helpless so I chose to get some power back by deciding I could do something about me and my surroundings. I decided to be a pleasant person who smiles at people whether I know them or not.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

17. Thanks, sweetie...

I tend to keep my face neutral when out by myself. I do smile back if someone smiles at me, if I see them before I pass...

I can't pretend though ...

[me b zola]

18. You are right about how a simple act of kindness can help

Wishing you good health... :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[dgibby]

19. Peggy,

I'm sending good vibes for tomorrow.

My greatest fear in getting a mammogram (other than an untoward outcome) is that the damn fire alarm will go off when I'm "locked" in the box, and I'll have to drag the whole freakin' machine out to the parking lot!

THAT thought should take your mind off things (or not).

Can you tell I'm an RN,too? Nothing like hospital humor, is there?

PS, if you bust out laughing in the middle of your test, I'll disavow all responsibility! :evilgrin:


:loveya: :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

22. You made me laugh!

There is nothing like hospital humor, indeed!

:rofl:

Thank you, sweetie...



:loveya: :hug:

[tanyev]

20. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow.

Just last month I not only had to go back for a repeat mammogram, but an ultrasound and then a biopsy. Scariest thing I've ever gone through up to this point. The test results of the biopsy came back clear. I hope you have good news, too.

[DesertFlower]

21. that is so nice. when i go

shopping to the grocery store i always have conversations with the people who work there. i think it makes their day nicer and it makes me feel good.

[City Lights]

23. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face, CaliforniaPeggy!

And best of luck tomorrow. I'll be thinking about you. :hug:

[ThomThom]

24. sometimes it helps to say out loud what is on your mind

good luck

[CaliforniaPeggy]

29. Sometimes it does...

I don't normally engage strangers...

But there was something about him...his kindness, his concern.

Thanks...

[Poiuyt]

27. My Dear Peggy

You help me with every one of your posts!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

30. Thank you, my dear Poiuyt...

You just helped me with yours...

[JuniperLea]

28. Your goodness must shine even brighter in person!

I know your warmth is all over DU;)

Best of wishes for some very good diagnostic news, Peggy. I have had two "2nd" tests... the waiting is the hardest part. Knowing that stress isn't good in these situations doesn't do a damn thing to relieve the stress!

You are a beautiful human being, Peggy. It's folks like you that keep me from writing that GBCW post! :hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

31. Nah, I'm a curmudgeon!

Not really...but DU brings out the best in me...

Thanks sweetie...

GBCW?

[JuniperLea]

37. Good Bye Cruel World...

I'm surprised you haven't heard this term for a final, parting post.

[donheld]

32. I'm hoping you're right as rain.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

34. Me too, my dear donheld...Thanks.

[handmade34]

33. positive thoughts

for you tomorrow :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

35. Thank you so much, my dear handmade34...

I'm trying to keep those going too...

Right now, it's nearly impossible.

[TheKentuckian]

38. Refreshing story Peggy

[bigwillq]

39. Good story.

Hope you're doing ok. :hug: :hi:

[Liberal_in_LA]

40. great story. Good luck with your mammo