Man Down

I was minding my own business driving north on Long Pond Road when it happened. Some elderly gentleman walking along the sidewalk took a nasty fall. I saw him go down. His feet flew up in the air and he landed with a wham. I thought he must have hit a patch of black ice and slipped. His face was a mask of pain and hurt and he was clutching his arm. He must have smacked his head hard against the concrete walk.

I couldn't slam on the brakes in traffic, but I was very concerned. He was walking alone. What if he had a heart attack and that's why he fell? What if he broke something? I pulled around the block at the first possible opportunity and headed back towards where it happened. I prayed for him while I was circling back.

When I got to the place, there was no sight of the man. Whew! I hope he is OK, but if he got up and kept going, he must be alright. I pulled into the next street and turned around again. If I fell, I would like to think someone would take time to come see if I were alright. Even if they don't know me.

That frozen moment of agony sticks with me. For one brief instant I felt someone else's pain. How often do I pass people in pain and I don't even see that they are hurting? Really, I need to be more observant. People shouldn't have to fall in front of me to get my attention!