To the woman who did two U turns to pull over and ask me, “Are you okay?” when you saw me sobbing, doubled over, hands on my knees, staring at my red running shoes down by the air field, just a few blocks from Children’s Hospital:
Thank you for stopping to ask if I was okay. I wish I wasn’t ugly crying so hard or I might have been able to say more than “I’m just sad…” (Sob. Gasp. Inhale. Exhale.) “My daughter is sick. She’s in the hospital….” (Sob. Gasp. Inhale. Exhale.) “She’s just always sick. I’m just so sad today.” (Sob. Gasp. Inhale. Exhale.)
Thank you for letting me cry into your passenger car window. It was so kind of you to give me your business card and phone number, “Just in case you need anything.” I love that you told me not to hesitate to call, and how you see yourself as “a really good listener”. I learned a lot from you today, just in those quick few minutes. You showed me how to bravely approach a hurting person—a hurting, complete stranger.
I have your card tucked in my cell phone case. I am planning to keep it there to remind me of two things: 1) I am never alone 2) you are the type of person I hope I can be, one who doubles back and pulls tight to the curb to ask a sobbing runner if she’s okay.
Even though I have your business card, I know I won’t call you. It’s enough to know you stopped and each time I see your name, I’ll feel the courage to reach out to my contact list full of heart-people who I should call before I find myself sobbing on a run. Sometimes I do need just a really good listener and your effort reminds me I have them in my life – I just need to make more of an effort to call out to them before I exhaust myself crying on the side of the road with two miles left to run. Lesson learned.
Forever grateful,
Photo Credit: Jessica Rice Photography
8 Comments
Thank you for this.
The Brouwer family is here for you, your husband and your parents. Love you all.💗
Please call the compassionate lady and ease her mind in case she does not read this. Thank you ahead of time because if you were in her shoes, you would like to know.
Keep on running, too.! You are truly an inspiration.
Ralph Graves
You are already, ‘the type of person who doubles back’. Your stories have already inspired so many folks who carry their own sorrows and heartache. None of us can do this work of living without the help of others. Thank you for being vulnerable enough to weep by the side of the road and allow another to share your burden. If you cannot bring yourself to call the woman who stopped to listen, you might drop her a note…I think she would appreciate it.
Grandma Maggie
God has count of every tear you have shed. May we all learn from this person and make those U-turns even in our busy lives, to care for those in need. Thanks for the reminder!
Oh Jesse, Love and prayers for you and your sweet baby girl! Your gift of words and perspective are amazing!
Jesse, I am very moved by your words once again. God is with you and your sweet Nora, and I continue to pray for your family. Thank you for reminding us to always be there for someone that truly needs us. Too often we are afraid to stop and ask if someone needs help, but this kind woman did just that and how special she was/is. U-turns are a necessary part of our lives. Love to all.
Yes. I get this so much. Those people who aren’t part of the problem or the answer. They just decide to be a part. A piece. Sometimes that one little “piece” plugs that hole enough to make another step possible. I’m glad you had someone to intersect your space at that moment. A small bump in any direction changes our field of vision. Beautifully shared, Jesse. Beautiful way to see.