Touching story this.
Meredith and I were at the La Gare in Castres some weeks back seeing our friends Anne and Ray from Maryland onto their midday train to Toulouse.
Double seat benches faced each other in the waiting area–perfect for two couples.
Problem was that on one of the benches sat a hooded figure hunched forward, asleep perhaps–his face hidden, anyway showing no signs of being about to move.
Not a threatening presence exactly but hooded figures give you pause.
It was a chilly early autumn day. He was wearing shorts and sandals and a plastic bag rested at his side.
When the train arrived, the four of us made our way onto the platform with the other waiting passengers.
Mr Hooded Figure followed amid the general animation, fearing perhaps being moved on unless he gave the impression he was traveling too.
We said our goodbyes to Ray and Anne and headed back towards the hall.
Meredith looked for Mr HF.
He was sitting on a bench on the platform still hooded looking straight ahead; unfocused, dazed, unengaged–certainly benign but lost and hungry, Meredith thought.
She made her first move.
For this story is about the moves that Meredith makes that others (like me) might not always leap up to make.
I said I’d get the car started–wary of being too eager a samaritan.
Meredith doesn’t recognize “wary”, be it dog or human, when she senses need.
She went up to him and asked if he’d like something to eat and drink.
He said he would and they made their way to the little news stand where the refrigerated shelf held sandwiches and salads.
He said he just wanted water but Meredith persuaded him to accept a small tabbouleh salad with the bottle of water.
She was also concerned about his state of mind and asked him if he wanted to see a doctor or go to the hospital.
He eventually agreed to go to the hospital.
My face when she turned up with him was a picture, she says.
She explained the situation and the young man got into the back of the car.
I said “Bonjour Monsieur”; took a deep breath and set off.
When we arrived at the hospital Meredith accompanied him into “Urgences”, the emergency reception.
I parked the car and hung out.
It took a while.
When she came out she said she’d left him waiting to see a doctor.
To her surprise he’d produced his identity card and carte vitale (health system card) from a deep pocket in his shorts, when asked by reception.
She later went back to the hospital with a bag of clothes but found that he had been discharged–to her dismay.
The receptionist said the doctor who’d dealt with him was busy with other patients and she’d have to wait.
After 45 minutes she reluctantly gave up and drove home.
She later found him on Facebook and left a message wishing him well and hoping he was alright.
Last week she received this email from him.
Bonjour, je suis la personne que vous avez aidée à la gare de Castres.Merci pour votre humanité et votre gentillesse.Je vous souhaite une bonne continuation.Thanks,Denis
She found this quote from Voltaire to include in her reply:
La vie est un naufrage, mais nous ne devons pas oublier de chanter dans les canots de sauvetage
“Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats!”
I have purchased food for the hungry but have never been brave enough to drive anyone anywhere. Well, to be fair, I have not been in a situation yet where it was necessary to drive a stranger in need somewhere. I hope that if this happens to me that I have the courage to be as generous. Thank you for sharing this, Robin.
Thanks for this Chris.
Your very kind wife’s karma must be glowing.
Mary Eman
Should be–haven’t enquired!
I shall read that to my children on Christmas Eve. And we will think of you both. Best wishes. Richard
Lovely thought–thanks Richard.
People like Meredith are a rare breed…what a humane and warm person she is..
If only there were many more like her the world would be a more loving and peaceful place.
Thank you for posting this Robin..a little antidote to all the awfulness there seems to be in the world at the moment.
Thanks Julie.
Robin, what a lovely story! If only we were all as kind as Meredith… Thanksgiving hugs from Texas to you both!
Thanks, Deborah. If only!
What a lucky fella you are and Meredith is exceptional albeit a bit of a risk taker. Have a wonderful holiday season. Hope Dennis stays well.
I know it, Barb–thanks.
Meredith, you are a kind and compassionate person. I only hope I would do something to help if faced with that situation.
This is heartwarming, and only confirms the impression of both of you that I get from all your writing – that you are both people of quality and compassion. Thanks for letting me “know” you.
This is a wonderful story, for any time, really. It’s true that Meredith has a brave heart, but you make a good pair One reaches out and pulls in the drowning man, but the other is willing to row the boat. Happy Thanksgiving.
Thanks, Elaine.
What a kind-hearted woman you married! The world needs more like her. Prayers for Denis.
Hi Robin – this is a terrific example of the kindness that Meredith has shown throughout her life (proud to say we’ve been friends for almost 5 decades). You wrote about this situation beautifully as well. As Thanksgiving approaches, I am grateful to be able to call both of you friends. Love to you both – Randi and Izzy
You are right Randi–thanks for this and have a lovely day Thursday, you and Izzy.
What a lovely and well-timed account of the need for human kindness. Meredith is a good soul indeed – as if we needed any more proof!
Bless you both and your furry companions this Thanksgiving – and lets wish the best for Denis – may his spirit have been buoyed by unexpected kindness. We all need that now and again.
Robin, Thanks for sharing. I believe Meredith was acting on God’s behalf, which will be duly noted in the “heavens.” May you and Meredith have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! Linda
That’s one amazing woman you married!
What a beautiful story!!! Thanks for sharing. We are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving here in Mississippi and realize that sharing our blessings should be something not limited to this special day. All best wishes, Barbara Boling 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
Sent from my iPhone Barbara Boling
>
It fills my heart to know that she is the woman I thought she was by the thoughtful posts. Somehow I am not at all surprised. I have many American friends who just make their British spouses shake their heads. I grew up spending many meals with people that Mom thought looked hungry. Our table was never too small. You got one of the good ones! I can’t wait to meet her.
I would imagine that this is just one reason why you love her! Great story. We befriended a similar HF who even lived with us for a while, long ago..he still keeps in touch, thankfully back on his feet. That human touch can work wonders, but not everyone has the courage or compassion…almost December, can you believe it?! Love to you both x
Good on you too, Rachel.
Bravo, Meredith!
I’ve helped a lot of hungry & homeless folks, directly, or through food donations to kitchens. If I’ve got leftovers with me, and see someone needed to eat, they get those. One day a woman trying to sell blankets she made for food asked if I had any change, and I said, “I’ll do you one better. I have half a burrito from around the corner, and it’s still hot.” I also had something she could drink, so she got that too. Serendipity, because I didn’t have a thermal sack with me, and it might not have been safe to eat by the time I got home, an hour’s drive away.
Here are a few examples–not to brag, but to demonstrate what I’ve seen.
In Pasadena, maybe 30 years ago, a middle-aged woman whose face spoke of a hard life, approached me as I was getting in my car. She started out with “please don’t hurt me”, which chilled me at what she must have encountered. She just wanted money for a cheap room that night. I gave her $5. I then though of how that could be me, and drove over and gave her an additional $20. I would have hated myself if I hadn’t.
In Santa Cruz county, there was one man, Rob, who I hired for yardwork, and did his his laundry, let him shower, and fed him every visit. He wasn’t all that bright, but he needed work that wasn’t beyond his physical capacity (he had been in construction).
There was another disabled homeless man who stood outside my post office, and many people helped him, and were happy to do it for him. Lovely person, but I worried about his health: he was at least diabetic, if not more. Some folk were able to help him to a caretaking job for an elderly woman–that’s what his training was. After a while, he was no longer around, and I have no idea what happened.
In Campbell CA, there’s a man named Steve who I try to help. He adores carrot juice, sausages and cheeses. I’ve taken him shopping with me at Trader Joe’s, spending about $25, my limit, a couple of times. Seeing his joy was all I needed. He shares the food with others. I also bring him books, as he is an avid reader. He admits that over-medicating himself has been his downfall, but that he’s really cut back. I think he’s got ADD: brighter than most growing up (which got him no end of grief), quicker thinking, and frustrated by those who couldn’t follow. I think in different ways, being bipolar (we really do use our brains in different ways, much like those with Aspberger’s), so I knew his frustration.
In Christian and Pagan circles (I’m Wiccan), there is a saying that if you see a person in need, and do not help, your soul will not be accepted in a good place, after death. See the song, This Ae Night/Nicht. It pretty well echoes what Jesus said at one gathering.
What a truly good person Meredith is.
Oh Robin, you and Meredith are the most wonderful caring couple and your stories often bring tears to my eyes. I don’t think I would have the “guts” to do what Meredith did for that young man as you hear so many ugly stories these days. But she is a Good Samaratin and will be rewarded in this life, or the next.What a great couple you make. All the best for Christmas and the months ahead in 2015. Looking forward to the new series of Poldark.
Helen from Australia
I think that’s just wonderful and gutsy. Often those who appear most threatening are the most worthy as I once found when my (very large and muscular) dog once charged these rather menacing young men in my local park. She was nervous and clearly protecting me. Trying to hang onto her by expanding lead she pulled me over, badly twisting my ankle, and charge up to the group. Next she (as was her wont) came dashing back to me, expanding lead banging behind her. Amazing response from leader of the pack ‘Are you ok?’ seeing me hobbling on one foot, unable to scarper. ‘Yes’ I called back and then, whilst shamefacedly hobbling away, heard the leader say to the others ‘…bloody dog bit me …’. I am eternally grateful to that young guy for being so forgiving and kind. Solo was also one of a kind. Over anxious to protect us but also highly strung and nervous herself but wonderful with people whom she knew. Well done Meredith for giving the guy the benefit of the doubt. We often find that a light shines in the most unexpected of places.
How lovely of you to share this. I especially love the quote!
What a heart warming story. If only there were more people like Meredith. I only wish that he’d got to see his doctor but how wonderful to get a message and be reassured that he was well enough to write such a nice letter of thanks.
Bravo, Meredith! Where would we all be without compassion?
Loved this story. Meredith’s sweet face shows kindness just to look at her. Leila Schnyder
Sent from my iPad
>
Your sensitivity and Kindness shows Meredith. This is a teaching moment for all of us.
Reblogged this on Cooking my A** Off and commented:
I’ve only met Meredith and Robin once at a book signing, bt they spent an hour conversing with a few of us fans. I’m not at all surprised that these folks would go out of their way to help a random person in need of kindness
Robin, in the hour you and Meredith spent with your fans at the Chicago book signing in Chicago where I met you, it doesn’t surprise me at all that your beautiful wife and you would go out of your way for a random person in need of an act of kindness. Happy Thanksgiving, Meredith! (Are you cooking her a traditional American feast?)
We are not, Nancy–perhaps at Christmas.
Meredith writing: Nancy, we’re invited to an American friend’s home for Thanksgiving pot luck late lunch. We’re bringing the sweet potatoes and a broccoli casserole.
This was a lovely story, simple but inspiring. Some kind ( i believe American) lady rescued my son when he inadvertently ran out of money. I think he was in Spain returning from Morocco. We fully intended to repay her but then he was mugged in London and his wallet with the address was stolen. I still feel bad that she was never properly thanked by us or had her money returned. But it just shows how many good people there are in the world, reading the papers you would find that hard to believe.
Here’s the thing; there was real danger in what Meredith did. It could have gone badly, I think you know that. I’m so glad it didn’t and the experience was life affirming. Knowing that, and going forward anyway also means that the act went beyond charitable and dipped gently into the heroic.
Even an occasional event like this can give more sense to one’s life and helps the other’s. Anyway how brave Meredith is! Her instinct drives her in the right direction. I am not so brave, often suspicious and distrustful. Brava Meredith, donna coraggiosa!
Meredith is a rare spirit! I doubt that many people – man or woman – would have taken the pains she did to help a stranger. She must have extra-sensory perception. Treasure her.
Nancy, Santa Fe, NM
What a beautiful story. What a wonderful and courageous woman!
Beautiful story. Beautiful woman. Thank you for the telling.
Meredith, you are one awesome lady!! And it’s good that Robin is practical and “balances” you out. There are times when I want to do more to help (more often for an animal) and be a little too brave–but someone–my better half– keeps me safe. But driving a stranger is braver than we’d both try to do, I think!! God bless you!
Meredith and Robin I think we would all like to hope that we would be as kind hearted,as you and your lovely lady,what wonderful souls you are.
I am sure that Denis will.long remember the helping hands,when he needed them most
Have a lovely thanksgiving best wishes to you both
Bravo to you both. We have a pretty large homeless population in my town. I’ve been able to help individuals with food, and when I can afford it, a gift card from the fast food place as well. Not the best nutrition, but warm and available when next needed. As the nights get colder the need is more stark. I am thankful for everyone who helps, whether directly with an individual or indirectly through donations. Bless you both this Thanksgiving time.
Meredith writing here: I couldn’t have gotten Denis to the hospital if I hadn’t had Robin present, driving the car. It isn’t anything I’d undertake on my own. Tonight Denis sent a response to my reply to him (the Voltaire quote and an invitation to have a coffee if he ever visits Lautrec). He invited us to have a “verre” with him next time we are in Toulouse!
Like many of us, I have passed sad situations not knowing how to help–and in this case, to quote Stephen Sondheim, “it takes TWO”. I’m thankful to have a partner who will go with the flow–in spite of his doubts! I have been inspired by random acts of kindness by others and feel gratified to have had the small opportunity to help someone else. We all need help occasionally! All of us who are blessed need to pass it on, pass it on, pass it on. 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends!
Well said, Meredith. You must bring out the, “Ross” in Robin… 😉
YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL WIFE. KINDNESS IS WRITTEN ALL OVER HER FACE,
SHEILA
What a lovely caring lady.
In our present very harsh and turbulent world there’s still hope for the hungry, destitute and homeless people because such shining and compassionate stars like Meredith are among us. Bless you, my dear, for your courage and care. Thank you, Robin, for sharing this heartwarming story with us all. It brought tears to my eyes remembering how it feels to be Stateless, homeless and… hungry. Happy Thanksgiving to you both.
Inspiring
Thank you for caring, sharing and inspiring… and Happy Thanksgiving to you both!
Thanks for that wonderful story. Your wife, Meredith, is a gem in this world. Happy Thanksgiving to both of you.
That was a wonderful act of kindness.
Human kind still survives thanks to good-hearted people like Meredith. Weren’t for people like her, all of us would be reduced to hollow shells, with no love, charity or warm inside us… This would really be the saddest end of everything.
It’s a wonderful thing when you cold help someone. Some days ago a young woman left her newborn girl in the trash near my house . A clochard found her after some hours but the child didn’t arrive to the hospital alive. It was terrible , I’m very sad . It’s a fortune that there still are people like you in the world…
Meredith is beautiful inside and out.Liked the note he sent her.There is need all around us if we just open our eyes and look.