Some Rest For The Weary
Today marks my 3rd day back to work. I tried to pull off walking without my cane when I first came back from medical leave, but by the time I got back from court at 12:30, my feet were ready to betray me for my indolence. Alas… I am with cane for Day 3.
I’m a boroughbred New Yorker. I’ve been riding the MTA since birth it seems. Therefore, I know we can be wrapped up in our own world on the subway. Keeping this in mind, I readied myself for the possibility that I might have to stand my entire train ride. Doctor’s orders are that I spend no more than 30 minutes at a time standing, so taking the subway will be in direct violation of my doctor’s orders. Nevertheless, I persist and am determined to take the subway to work.
So here I am! There were ample seats on the first leg of my trip, but not so for the second leg of my trip on the E train into Queens where my office is. This train is packed with business professionals who work in East Midtown and Long Island City. This means they’re really on the E train for only a few stops.
As I was standing there, leaning on my cane to help relieve pressure off my most recently operated foot, I noticed an older woman trying to get my attention. I look over and I see a woman, nearly old enough to be my grandmother, reach over, grab my arm and say “you need your rest for work today. have a seat!” Despite my protestations, this older black woman smiled lovingly and demanded that I take her seat. She stood and smiled my way from Lexington & 51st St to Queens Plaza where she exited.
Wow, that’s an amazing story. The elderly can be very kind and that just shows you that even though she’s grown in age, she hasn’t lost her motherly instincts. I am glad I read this.