Nice Things

The query is: What is one of the the nicest things someone has done for you? Always a good topic, it is especially so now, when the world seems so dark.

What comes to my mind immediately is from an event, an unpleasant event, only a week ago. I was in a car accident near my home, turning a corner onto a street that I travel almost daily. It was midday, excellent weather, not conditions that invite an accident. It was a busy corner, with cars backed up, waiting for a traffic light. I turned after looking for oncoming traffic. Because of the heavy traffic blocking my view, I did not see the car that struck me immediately after my turn, blowing out my front right tire and damaging that door. I instinctively pulled over into an empty parking space, parked, and got out of my car, a three-year-old, electric Mini Cooper that I love.

I was not hurt, just incredibly shaken up. I saw the other driver, another woman, as she got out of her car, which had hit a parked car after mine before ramming into the yard of an apartment complex. She was yelling, furious about the accident. All of this I took in quickly. I’m not used to being in accidents and was simply stunned. Also quickly, tow trucks arrived, along with an ambulance and a fire truck.

So far, none of this was a ‘nice thing.’ Here’s that part now. Probably only a few minutes after the accident, a police officer approached me, asking if I wanted to go to the hospital. I said, no, I was ok. His question did not appear perfunctory, but one of genuine concern. He was calm, encouraged me to reconsider the following day, as many injuries don’t appear immediately. He let me know that I could simply go to the ER, if I felt any physical discomfort tomorrow.

There was a lot of activity: the tow trucks maneuvering our vehicles to get them in line to be towed. Another police officer asked for my license and registration, which I got from the car. I entered from the driver’s side, as the passenger door would no longer open. This officer also expressed concern for my wellbeing, suggesting that I might be somewhat in shock, not yet conscious of any injuries. He, also, appeared genuine in his concern for me, telling me that after they had all the needed information from us, he would give me a ride home.

A woman, Nancy, who lived in the apartment complex had come outside when she heard the loud bangs. We began a conversation, she, also, expressing concern for me and offering me a nearby chair.

After about thirty minutes, my eyes filled with tears. Perhaps the shock was wearing off and I was beginning to feel. Finally, the police officer escorted me to his car to drive me home, again expressing concern for my well-being and reminding me to call my insurance company soon. I thanked him for his concern and told him that each officer had been so kind and that I was touched by their concern. He responded simply, “That’s what we do.”

When I made the call to the insurance agent, he also expressed concern for me, before collecting the required information.

Each of these expressions of concern was, in one sense, ordinary. Perhaps it was my own personal sense of shock that made each one feel so touching. Or, maybe it was simply that it was people who are not usually part of my life, who were expressing concern for me. Regardless, for me right now, I am super conscious of the positive effect that each of these strangers had on my life.

Let me extend this thought — each person with whom we have any contact, even minor, holds the possibility of being affected in a positive way, as well. We hold an incredible power to do good. Let’s use it.

Copyright ©️ 2023