Meredith doesn’t recognize “wary”, be it dog or human, when she senses need.
I published this last year and the story bears repeating.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING à tout le monde!
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,DenisShe 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!”
The beat goes on…
Yesterday Meredith made another trip to Toulouse with two American friends to deliver “stuff” for needy Syrian refugees as winter sets in.
Robin Ellis 
As you say Robin, the tale certainly bears repeating – Meredith, you are one amazing woman.
Having met and spent time with your wonderful wife, none of this surprises me a jot, Robin. The world needs more Merediths…I hope you both have a fabulous Thanksgiving. Despite it all, there is SO MUCH to be grateful and thankful for…xx
“TWNMMs”–je suis d’accord, Rachel!
Such a poignant message for this Thanksgiving day…that even the simplest gestures of kindness and caring can make a world of difference to someone else’s life. Bravo, Meredith, and thank you both for sharing. Happy Thanksgiving!
Last week I was almost home when I saw a young man leaning on a wall against the bus shelter and he was obviously very unwell. The people in the shelter were staring but no one approached him so I turned the car around and called him over.
He had been sent home from work as he was feeling so ill and had already walked a quarter of a mile to the bus stop. I made him get in and drove him to his door 15 miles away and he was almost crying when he got out. All I could think when I first saw him was that if one of my girls was in distress that someone would try to help them. And there was a moment of doubt I admit in case he was on drugs or drunk but I remembered reading this post last year and how wonderful it was of Meredith to help and it spurred me to do the right thing. She is a rare and wonderful person , Happy ( presentless) Thanksgiving to you both.
That is so touching, Julie, well done . We are both in tears. Thank you.
You are a very lucky man to have such a special lady in your life, we need more like her.
Thank you for this story. Meredith is much kinder than I probably would have been. No wonder you love her. Betty
Robin I love this post. I recently found an elderly lady sitting on my garden wall. I asked if she was alright and she explained she had recently had a hip replacement and had just walked too far and was carrying shopping. I put her in my car and took her home. She was living independently but needed frequent trips to the hospital and could only shop in small loads because she couldn’t carry it. So………I now take her for hospital visits and on shopping trips. She is hilarious !! I love my time spent with her and I’m sure she has given me so much more than I have given her. We put the world right over coffee and at 87yrs she has some great wisdom.
I have had my fingers burned trying to help a homeless guy but sometimes when we stick our necks out we are really blessed.
Ros
Lovely story, Ros–thank you.
Meredith is as beautiful in her picture as she is in her heart.
Hello Robin,
What a moving story and one we should all heed. Thank you for sharing it. The world needs more ‘Merediths’
Isn’t there a saying that “When fear knocks at the door, faith should answer”? We have to use common sense, but following one’s heart seems the right thing to do. Sometimes that takes courage, or money or time. God bless Meredith, and you, too, Robin! Random acts of kindness – something to be thankful for.
Well done and well said with the great Voltaire’s quip. Good to know ‘our’ holiday can also be a global one! We’re all in this thing called ‘life’ together! Thank you for sharing.
Robin,
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Meredith. She is a treasure.
I had always enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday and it became an important time of year for me 11 years ago.
We were in Ukraine to adopt. It was this time of year that we became parents to a beautiful boy and came home with him. So for me, Thanksgiving now has a special significance and meaning.
Marla
Happy Thanksgiving to you both! The story embodies what Thanksgiving is about. Peace, Andrea Squires (with family in Boston, MA)
You’re complimented in your choice of life partner – and I feel she’s fortunate, as well. Goodness reaching out to those in need – nothing better!
Wonderful 🙂
Sent from my iPhone
>
I somehow missed this last year so very happy you relished it. Thank you to Meredith for her grace and kindness. Happy Thanksgiving!
My kind of woman. I hope someday to meet both of you.
Vicki
Meredith puts us all to shame.
What a great lady!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for republishing this post since I did not see it last year. Meredith’s kindness is an example of the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Meredith is a jewel in the crown. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Meredith!
Debra Ashe in North Carolina, USA
Thank you for sharing this story. Meredith’s kindness is an example of the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Meredith!
Debra Ashe
What a gentle person! I think this is a great example to follow for all of us.
Thanks for this wonderful account! I had discovered it and shared it with a friend. Most definitely worth repeating–every year! Best wishes to you both. I recently rematched all the 70s POLDARK films. . . now wonderful they are. . . much better than the remake, in my opinion!
God Bless Meredith for her love
Odd you should mention Life Boats. This week the Titanic has been forefront in my mind. God bless all & think of those in need.
Sent from my iPad
>
Thanks for sharing! Meredith is definitely a keeper–as we say in America!
Yay, Meredith! I’m never sure when to offer help in those situations.
Wow, what a beautiful story – thank you for sharing, Robin… my partner’s and my eyes may now be a little moist!
With so much doom and gloom, and fear-mongering being bandied around at the moment, I believe it’s essential to remind folk of the milk of human kindness and the importance of us all taking care of each other, no matter who people may be, nor where they are from. I loved reading the comments above too – what a lovely group of friends you have! 🙂
Thanks, Nicole.