“Excuse me, but are you okay?”
“Oh, no, I’m fine. But thank you anyway.”
“Um, okay, sure. But.. listen. If you just need someone to talk to, I promise I’m not weird or anything.”
[Laughs] “Well, okay… I’m Belinda.”
“I’m Jordan. Nice to meet you.”
“I feel stupid, sitting here crying in public. Tell me, Jordan, are you married?”
“Yes — I am, I have a wife and two daughters. You?”
“Yes. Two kids, a boy and a girl, and… up until recently, a husband at home.”
“What happened?”
“I don’t know. He just came home one day and said… ‘I don’t want to do this any more.’ Just like that.”
“That had to be tough.”
“Yeah, well normally, I’m the tough one. I’ve got to be back to work in 20 minutes, and I can’t be crying there.”
“So what’s happened since he told you?”
“He’s gone to stay with a friend, and, I’m left to explain to two kids less than four why Daddy’s not going to be home for awhile.”
“How old?”
“18 months and four years and a month. I don’t understand it at all. He says he loves me, he loves our kids, but just wants something different.”
“Um… Is there someone else?”
“He says there’s not, but I’m not sure. What do you think?”
“Well, given that I just met you three and a half minutes ago, I’m not really sure, either. Do you have friends or family who are helping?”
“I haven’t told anyone yet.”
“Wow, okay, I see. What will happen if you tell people?”
“My mom and my dad will say they told me he was no good, and that I should have listened to them.”
“Okay, I get not telling them.”
“My friends would probably be cool. It’s just… it’s just, they all thought we had the perfect marriage.”
“Maybe you could trust them, then. It’s better than getting tears in your coffee.”
[Laughs] “Yes, I suppose it is.”
“Look, I have to go, but… here is my business card. It has my cell phone number on it. I’m not trying to hit on you, I just… I lost someone very dear to me recently who… I couldn’t be there for, and… I just wanted to help, if I can. Call me if you need someone to talk to. And, Belinda… tell your friends. They’ll be there for you.”
“Thanks, Jordan.” [Looking at the card] “… You’re a salesman? You don’t seem like the type.”
“The best ones never do, Belinda.”
A short story, but with a clear message.
When a human angel or a stranger become THAT friend, God always send someone at the right time to help …
I love this.
Thank you, Sherrie. It’s easier to communicate than ever now, and it’s very possible that fewer people do it.
Sometimes, somebody takes a chance and offers to listen and the person takes them up on it. But people are too afraid to offer and too proud to accept help, much of the time.
Yes, it is. It’s also that much more wonderful when it does happen.