Its a long drive from Bentonville, AR to Cassville, MO and not too many stops along the way. With construction slowing traffic, a long line of angry road raged psychos quickly formed, riding my tail like I was the one who controlled the traffic. By the time I got to Cassville, I was frustrated, frazzled, and wishing I had a set of missile launchers attached to the side of my vehicle or a marquee sign on my back window like a bumper sticker displaying my not-so-nice thoughts. But, what really occupied my attention was my near inability to function due to a bladder that clearly had reached maximum capacity and I was mere minutes away from experiencing one of those most embarrassing moments. Like a beacon in the night, there was Walmart! That little golden spark never looked so warm and inviting. Like a NASCAR driver on the last lap of the Indy 500, I whipped my Expedition through the parking lot making lefts and drafting vehicles like a pro until I found the closest parking spot. With my bladder quivering like a checkered flag being waved frantically back and forth, I made my victory lap for the door and barely made it to the ladies room. Victory was mine! As I was finally able to concentrate again, I couldnt help but hear sobbing from the stall next to me. I washed my hands and peeked around the corner to see what was wrong. There was a lady in one of those motorized wheelchairs (not sure how she maneuvered into the bathroom) and her daughter was desperately trying to console her. I asked if everything was okay and the daughter quickly shewed me away. The mother was trying to get the wheelchair out of the bathroom and it just wasnt working. She was embarrassed and humiliated. As other ladies entered into the bathroom, they quickly left, pretending not to see what was happening and not wanting to get involved. I just stood there like a big dummy. Im ashamed to admit that I was debating whether or not I get involved or leave like everyone else. The mother was elderly and unable to walk. In other words, she was stuck in the wheelchair and after working it back and forth, she became wedged between the wall and the stall. I couldnt stand it anymore and insisted I help. The daughter and I tried to lift the chair and try to free it...only making it worse...and those chairs are heavy! I broke a sweat but kept a smile on my face as the mother kept apologizing and sobbing. I told her I appreciated the opportunity to burn a few extra calories and mentioned that I should add this to my workout routine. She tried to smile but I could tell I wasnt helping matters. Finally, I had to face the truth, me and the daughter just couldnt get that wheelchair to move and we were trapped between the stalls and the wheelchair and couldnt get by the wheelchair to get help. I had tried so hard to make things better, and I ended up making them worse. I wanted to cry and was on the verge of tears myself. I had an instant migraine from trying to lift that chair and found myself being the one in need of help. Finally, another lady entered the bathroom and saw us and what we were trying to do and without hesitating like I did, began to help. Between the three of us, we were finally able to get that wheelchair free and maneuver it out of the bathroom. I have never been so thankful to meet a complete stranger in the bathroom! I didnt catch her name, but she is proof there are good people left in this world who have compassion for others and put others before themselves.I was reminded that I needed to be one of those people and next time, not wait so long to offer help. Thankful for moments like these that help me put things back into perspective. Sorry for the long post - I usually get a lot of flack for these but felt the need to share.
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 01:42:48 +0000
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