Acts of Kindness: A Stranger Saved and a Friend from Ghana
Living in a fast-paced world, encountering daily acts of kindness seem like a rarity. However, some moments stand out, marking you for a lifetime. Such an experience can be as simple as helping a stranger in need, which can turn out to be one of the finest moments of your life. In this narrative, we discuss two instances of kindness that left an enduring impact on me: one with a stranger and another with a friend from Ghana.
Rescuing a Drunk Lady
One memorable night, after leaving a bar, an unexpected encounter with a drunk lady would be etched in my memory. As I walked towards my car, I noticed a woman staggering out into the street. Immediately, I rushed to help her up, but things took an unexpected turn. She suddenly began vomiting, unable to stand still as the contents of her stomach poured out.
It became evident that the woman had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol. I knelt beside her while her friends arrived on the scene, both perplexed and angry, as one of them questioned what I was doing to the woman. Despite the fear in her friend's eyes, I remained steadfast, holding her hair away from her face as she threw up. The scene was chaotic and uncomfortable, but my goal was to keep her from falling and covering herself in the vomit.
Her friend's agitation only intensified, pleading with me to release the woman, but reassurance that I could not let her go as she was unsteady without support became necessary. The critical juncture was when she started to dry-heave. I decided to assist her by standing and supporting her, ensuring she wouldn't fall into the puddle of vomit on the ground.
Together, with the help of her friend, we managed to bring her to her feet, and though she remained unsteady, it was a moment of significant relief. In addressing the situation, I suggested that her friends take her home or to the hospital, knowing that the latter was the more advisable choice. Eventually, with her friends' help, we left, and I returned home smelling of vomit. I had to take a shower when I got back to clean myself up.
Despite the discomfort and hassle, I consider this act as one of the best things I've done for a stranger. While it was just a small gesture, supporting her during such a vulnerable moment was rewarding. If I encounter a person in similar distress again, I would undertake this act once more.
Sustaining a Relationship with a Friend from Ghana
My journey of kindness didn’t stop at that one incident. In 2019, I connected with a girl from Ghana on Twitter through a direct message. She admired my funny Trump memes, and over time, we nurtured a friendship, talking daily. She came from a poor background and resonated with my sense of humor. However, the story does not end there.
One of her devices, a phone, met an unfortunate fate and was dropped into a water bucket, rendering it unusable. She might have asked for financial aid, but she didn't; instead, she shared the problem. Astonished by her self-reliance, I decided to proactively assist by buying her a new phone through a mobile app. She was deeply grateful, acknowledging that my gesture was not only a small act but also a significant one for someone in her situation.
Over time, her academic aspirations faced additional challenges due to a shortage of funds. I stepped in to help her graduate, showcasing how even a small contribution can make a profound impact. However, the turning point in our relationship came when she fell ill and had to remain in the hospital for 12 days. Her family couldn't afford the hospital bills, and in extreme distress, she reached out to me.
Unwavering in my commitment to help those in need, I sent the necessary funds for her hospital stay. The gratitude that washed over her and her mother was palpable. I emphasized that, if possible, I wanted to continue supporting others who find themselves in dire circumstances. This experience taught me the significance of kindness and the ripple effect it can have on one's life.
Both the stranger and the friend from Ghana have become crucial benchmarks in my life, reminding me of the impact small acts of kindness can have. If you come across someone in a moment of need, whether it’s a stranger or a friend, do what you can to help. You might not realize it, but these acts can leave a lasting and positive imprint on someone’s life.