Today while walking from the bus to the gym a young man of about 25 crashed his bicycle right in front of me. I heard him riding up from behind. I also heard him hit a tall table from one of the food trucks someone had put too close to the sidewalk.

He was laying on the sidewalk completely entangled in his bike when I got to him. I put my hand on his shoulder and asked if he was hurt. “No, I’m fine,” he replied while holding his knee. From the look on his face I knew he was going to be sore. “Are you sure nothing is broken,” I asked again.  “No, just my pride,” he said with a smile.

As I helped him up he leaned on me to keep his balance. Once he was completely untangled from his bike he said, “Thank you for stopping to help me. It was very kind of you.” “You are welcome,” I replied still resting my hand on his shoulder because I wanted him to feel he was not alone, that someone cared.

As he got back on his bike he thanked me again and slowly rode away.  I was grateful to be there to help. Maybe one day someone will find me sprawled out on a city sidewalk. If that ever happens, it sure will feel good to have someone stop and help. It will feel good to know I am not alone, that someone cares.