The Kindness of Strangers...

There are some days where the actions of one person can either ruin, or make your day. Today was one of them.

I was out today in our local Mall, heading single-mindedly to the supermarket do my food shopping when a woman about my age came up to me out of the blue and asked me if I was alright. I said "Yes, thank you... Why do you ask?". She amazed me by saying, "You just looked kind of down, and like you could use a friend," she went on to add, "Please excuse me if I am being nosey, I just wondered if you were ok."

The genuine look on her face, paired with her obvious concern hit me, and I found myself tearing up.

While I was apologising and blubbering away, she gently led me to a private corner in the nearest coffee shop, ordered coffee for two, and invited me to, "Get it off my chest".

We talked for what seemed like ages. I found myself telling her everything that has been on my mind. From my bad days lately with my BPD, to my car playing up, feeling like a bad Mum, and even the fact that I only had $100 to buy groceries for four people for the week, not including luxuries like; toilet paper, tampons and toothpaste (or the three T's).

She was a great listener, she just sat and let me talk. She didn't offer advice, didn't try to one-up me, or tell me how she or others had it worse, and that I should be grateful.

She just... listened.

When I had finally petered out, she got up and said she hoped I was feeling a bit better, and thanked me for spending some time with her. Then she left.

After settling myself down, I went to pay for my coffee, and I was told that 'my friend' had already paid.

That's when I realised, I didn't even know her name.

So I would just like to say:

To the unknown woman who showed the most amazing compassion to a total stranger. Thank you. One day I will repay your kindness to someone else who needs it.