Tonight I ran by my local Walmart and when I was leaving saw a lady with a cardboard sign out. It was rainy outside and she looked cold and wet. Normally I don't stop for anyone with a cardboard sign, judge me if you wish, but as a single woman I don't always feel safe picking up random strangers and just because I'm unprepared or something I rarely have spare change or money to give. But this lady's sign (the first part) said, "Stranded. I ran out of gas...." There was more after but that was all I got a chance to see before turning and continuing on my way. I felt really bad for her, and as I was driving away, stopped to consider how I felt. I felt safe, so I went straight through the next light and turned around and came right back through to make another loop around by her. This time I stopped. I was almost out of gas myself. I asked her where she needed a ride to- if it was the direction I was heading I was willing to take her there or maybe partway there. When she told me though it was to a different state in the opposite direction. She had just left her husband and had her kids with her in her car. She ran out of gas and it would take about $30 to fill up her car approximately. She had $20 and was willing to work for more money so she could fill up her car. Anyways, today my sister and I had $3 cash. So she's $3 closer to her goal and I'm praying she'll have a few more people stop to help out.
But the whole incident got me thinking- she was sad I'm sure, but she wasn't letting that get her down. I don't know what I would've done in her situation, but I was glad to help. She was trying to make the best of her situation and get to "safety". I mean I don't know if she was headed to a family member's house or a friend's house, but either way, she was on her way to better days hopefully. I'm assuming things were bad with her husband because otherwise I would assume she would have a bit more money before leaving. It makes me grateful for the gas in my car, the roof over my head, and blankets. Luckily it's not winter and freezing anymore, but still, I'm sure she was grateful for her kids and her car, even without gas in it, it would be shelter over her head and her children's. And I really do hope enough other people stopped tonight and she was able to fill up her car. In the worst case maybe she can head out tomorrow.
But the whole incident got me thinking- she was sad I'm sure, but she wasn't letting that get her down. I don't know what I would've done in her situation, but I was glad to help. She was trying to make the best of her situation and get to "safety". I mean I don't know if she was headed to a family member's house or a friend's house, but either way, she was on her way to better days hopefully. I'm assuming things were bad with her husband because otherwise I would assume she would have a bit more money before leaving. It makes me grateful for the gas in my car, the roof over my head, and blankets. Luckily it's not winter and freezing anymore, but still, I'm sure she was grateful for her kids and her car, even without gas in it, it would be shelter over her head and her children's. And I really do hope enough other people stopped tonight and she was able to fill up her car. In the worst case maybe she can head out tomorrow.
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