Communicate Your Success

Jonathan Richardson March 20th, 2007

This doesn’t relate to public relations, but some stories are just meant to be told.

I went to the gym tonight and did both free weights and cardio, as I’ve been slacking this week and wanted to catch up with a good workout. An hour and a half after walking in, I left the gym sweaty, worn out and ready for cold jug of Gatorade. As I walked to my car, I noticed an elderly man in a wheelchair, pushing himself backwards up the road next to the gym. This road is on a steep incline and I could tell the man was struggling.

In that moment, I made a choice. I thought about getting into my car and driving home just as the person out before me had done. Then I realized this was one of those rare instances where I could choose to put the needs of someone else before mine. I asked the man where he was headed, to which he replied “the BP up the road.” The convenience store of which he spoke is roughly four blocks from the spot where I met him and the road continues its upward slope the entire distance and requires crossing a main thoroughfare. My luck right? As tired as I have ever been, and now I’m offering to push this man and his wheelchair up a hill and down the road.

As I pushed the man to the store, he spoke to me of being hit by a car, which landed him in his current state. He also talked of his time in the Army with a proud and strong tone that seemed out of place for his frail body. It was just small talk on the way to the store, but to this elderly man I could tell the interaction was truly appreciated. As we arrived at the store, the man pulled a worn glove from his right hand and reached out to shake my hand and thank me for the assistance.

As I walked away, I realized it was the man who had helped me. So many times in this life, we don’t stop to help other with the small things that can make a big difference. This frail man helped to put things in perspective though. For all the small complaints I have about work and time and goals, there are so many more things for which I have to be thankful. In helping this old man, he was in turn helping me just as much, if not more.

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