This morning the subway train was packed as usual – and kept hitting delays.
I was okay – tired, but not faint. Â Pops was with me. Â Out of no where an elderly gentleman tapped me on my shoulder and gave me his seat. Â On a packed train. Â This man, who was easily in his 70’s.
He was already out of his seat by the time he tapped my shoulder and of course I gratefully accepted and said thank you…but I’m not accustomed to random acts of kindness and had to do my best not to shed any tears. Â Maybe it’s hormones, but it really got to me.
Aside from my near fainting incident a few weeks ago no one has ever offered me a seat. Â And to think this elderly man – who is nearly old enough to be my grandfather, did this and subsequently had to stand…really meant a lot to me.
After Pops got off at his stop I considered moving to sit next to this gentleman after he finally got another seat – to say thank you. Â It meant a lot, and he made my day. Â I regret that I didn’t – but I know sometimes an act like that can make some people uncomfortable and I didn’t want to do that.
So there it is – aside from Pops, two men over 50 have helped pregnant me on the subway. Â Men under 50? Â Nope. Â More shocking? Â Absolutely no women have ever given up their seat. Â So I’ll remember this – next Spring when I return to work I’ll be sure to always give up my seat to pregnant women – and men over 50.
And of course Pops.