Things I'm Learning: Overheard Conversations

We stopped at the supermarket for a few items over the weekend and I sat in the car, window open, feeding Little Lion (who by the way fed almost around the clock on the weekend!). As we arrived at the large-ish carpark we saw that three cars had been involved in an accident but paid not too close attention beyond fielding 100 questions from Bebito about why.

Though mostly working class, we live in a really mixed demographic area and our local shops can prove very interesting. This trip proved interesting in a different way.

A couple in their 50s stopped to gawk at the accident (why do people do that?) and I overhead this,

Woman: "oh, that's (insert woman's name)"
Man: "really?"
Woman: "oh yes and she's just lost her husband the poor woman. And now she's had a terrible accident. Maybe we should go over there and see if she's ok?"
Man: "do you think?"
Woman; "I don't know, what do you think?
Man starts walking towards the scene
Woman: "wait, maybe we shouldn't interfere!"
Man walks back: "oh ok"
Woman: "I think she really needs a friend now"
Man: "ok then, shall we go?"
They walk away.

I was utterly shocked at this conversation. How could they know this lady who had recently had her husband pass away and leave her to her own devices? What kind of a person would do that? How lacking in empathy were these people? It sat with me for days and I just can't let it go.

We never know how we will react to a situation until it presents itself. To turn your back because you don't want to get involved or because you don't know how to deal or what to say. I, for one, would rather get in trouble for trying to help in some way and offering support and assistance, for saying too much rather than not enough.

As it turned out an ambulance arrived and took this lady away.

As I sat and reflected on this overheard conversation and this poor woman's current lot in life, I kissed my boy and remembered how important it is to live by example. I am resolved to teach my boys to take care of those around them. To live with empathy and care for others and never, ever to walk away from someone who needs help.