Life often throws us into unexpected, yet profound moments when we least anticipate them.
I bought this cute little change purse in Newfoundland last summer and carry it all the time. I pulled it out at the grocery store yesterday and was preparing to pay, when a weathered voice behind me made a kind and gentle remark.
"Hey. I am from Newfoundland. That's where you got that purse?"
His eyes lit up as we exchanged pleasantries about the beautiful province. I shared snippets of my trip there, while our conversation flowed easily.
He was a gentle soul, who spoke lovingly of his wife of 50 years. He mentioned how she used to visit family alone, and when she returned, they would travel together, exploring new places hand in hand.
His eyes grew misty as he shared something deeply personal. In August, she had gone to visit family in Newfoundland, fell ill and was placed in an induced coma. His voice wavered as he recounted her final moments. He stayed at her bedside, hoping for a miracle that would not happen.
His loss and solitude were palpable in that brief exchange.
We paused to say goodbye as we approached the store's exit. His voice was tinted with sadness as he chose to confess,
"I will be selling our house this spring. I have no one here."
I held back a tear, and wished him well. We parted ways, silently bearing the shared weight of his loss.
Have you ever experienced an encounter with strangers who impacted you?
How do you cope with the unexpected honesty with someone you don't know?
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25 comments
I cry. I may not cry in front of the other person but later I will shed tears. It is ... a blessing .... to be trusted and included as someone shares their heart. It is profound. It moves me. There is a word and it is escaping me right now.
Many strangers have impacted me. I worked in health care so I met many people at their worst or most difficult moments. And many at their greatest joyful moments. Each one altered me slightly as I absorbed their auras.
Hugs!!
You are now an angel in that mans life. You were there when he was in need. Good for you!
Hugs!!
@PonyGirl1965 Your words are deeply touching. It truly is a profound blessing to be trusted with someone's heart and emotions. It’s natural to feel moved and even shed tears later, as the impact of such moments stays with us. Having worked in health care, you must have experienced a wide range of human emotions, each one adding a layer to your own journey. Thank you for sharing your beautiful perspective. 🤗
Hugs!
@PonyGirl1965 Thank you for your incredibly kind words! It's heartwarming to think that a simple act of empathy could leave such a lasting impact. Sometimes, just being there for someone in their moment of need can make all the difference. 😊
Hugs!
I have. I was getting groceries some years ago and I encountered my elderly neighbor standing in front of the coffee just crying, sobbing. She had lost her husband of many years just a few weeks before. I just stood there with a hand on her shoulder. Not really saying anything. Just standing there. I am not good in these moments. I don’t like my own feelings much less someone else’s. She turned to me and grabbed my hand. And we stood that way for another five minutes. She finally gathered herself, thanked me. I offered to drive her home. She didn’t want any part of that after she gathered herself. Oh what to do in the face of that much grief. Brings tears to me thinking back on it. Thanks for sharing Sexy! I think we should be more open to these moments.
@Lee79416 Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt story. It takes courage to be present in moments of deep grief. Your support for your neighbor in her time of need is incredibly touching. I agree, being open to these moments allows us to make meaningful connections.
You know me, I can get emotional watching a Bugs Bunny cartoon. I've had many occasions where an exchange with a stranger has touched me. I'll offer a hug if the moment seems appropriate. I think both of us feel a little bit better after that. 🤗
@Psulxx001 Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I’ve noticed the heartfelt moments you’ve shared on your blog. Offering a hug at the right moment can indeed create meaningful connections.
Just listen to them , the heart cares and shares . I once held a dying person in my arms . From the cradle to the grave... who knows what life holds.
What a gift you gave!
@redswallow777 Thank you. It's moments like these that remind us of the profound impact we can have on others, even in brief encounters.
When I worked at Walgreens years ago as a cashier, a woman approached me that was very upset. She was trying to access her husband's phone because he had suddenly died in a four-wheeling accident. I talked to her for a bit and gave her my sympathy.
@MishyMinx Thank you for sharing that poignant experience. It's moments like these that remind us of the profound impact we can have on others, even in brief encounters. Your kindness and empathy in that moment were a great comfort to her during such a difficult time. It’s these small acts of compassion that truly make a difference.
It sounds like you may have made that man's day just because you listened to him. Such stories are no doubt common but I fear that for too many of the ones in them they have no one to just let the story out. You are a good soul.
I cannot think of any such encounter at the moment. How would I cope with such an encounter. Much as you did and after reflecting that such is what we are here for. To help each other with the trials of life.
Sending you big hugs and may you continue to ease others and others ease any sorrow that may come your way. (Sorrow, big or little, will come to everyone.
@justskin1 I believe that listening and being present for others is one of the most meaningful ways we can connect and provide solace. It's a reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of compassion. I know that in those moments of listening, even without having experienced similar encounters, simply offering an empathetic ear can make a world of difference.
Your thoughtful reflection on our purpose to help each other navigate life's trials is beautiful. It's a sentiment that I hold dearly and strive to embody in my interactions.
Wishing you peace and comfort. May we all continue to support and uplift one another through life's ups and downs.
I have had a few strangers tell me their life story at a chance meeting and try to listen and comment where I think appropriate and hope I helped them in some way.
@easyrider4008 It's amazing how chance encounters can lead to meaningful connections.
Your willingness to listen and offer support to strangers speaks volumes about your kindness and empathy. Often, people just need someone to hear their story, and it sounds like you've provided that valuable space for them.
Keep spreading that compassion—sometimes, a simple act of listening can make a world of difference.
The day I lost my dad, I decided I needed to do something nice for myself after carrying a lot of the weight of his final year or so of kidney failure/diabetes issues. I stopped into a salon I don't normally go to that is close to my home and lucked into getting a middle of the day random pedicure appointment. The lady in the next chair (also getting pedi), I sorta recognized in passing from my church. We got to talking about things and I confessed I came in that day to just show myself some kindness after a tough loss. Her son is also a Type 1 diabetic (which I didn't know before that) and we cried together over how awful the disease is and how we hope and pray modern medicine continues to improve the longevity and quality of life of those inflicted with it. I felt a little guilty I had dumped my sorrow on her, but I'm forever grateful for her kindness that day. I hope that I show others similar kindness when they were hurting.
@CL_Love Thank you for sharing your story.
It is amazing how, even during our most difficult moments, life has a way of bringing people into our path who offer the perfect comfort and understanding we need.
Just like you felt grateful for that kindness, I’m sure you’re paying it forward in ways you might not even realize. Your heartfelt experience is a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness and empathy in our lives.
Thank you for connecting with my story through your own.
Take care and continue spreading that compassion to those around you.
There is an old adage that says: "A sorrow shared is a sorrow halved and a joy shared is a joy multiplied." I think it is so true.
You probably made his day by letting him share his memories of his late wife and his loss 🤗
@JN63JPN Thank you for your kind words! I truly hope that sharing his memories brought him some comfort. It's amazing how meaningful moments can unfold through simple interactions. We often underestimate the power of just listening and being there for someone. 🤗
Have you ever experienced a similar encounter that left a lasting impact on you?"
@sexyldy1000
Not so much a lasting impact, but I have been told that people feel comfortable talking to me.
@JN63JPN That’s a wonderful quality to have! People feeling comfortable talking to you is a testament to your empathetic nature and ability to make others feel at ease. Even if the encounters don’t leave a lasting impact on you, they may significantly impact those who confide in you. It’s a special gift to be a good listener. 😊
I have what a neighbor once called "giveashititis." I have an aura of someone who does indeed, give a shit. People have told me more personal stuff that I care to hear, at it's been that way all my life. I listen and empathize, that's all people want, is to be heard. Good of you to do that.
@TicklePlease Thank you for sharing that!
It'sincredible how some people naturally have an aura that invites others to share their stories. Being a good listener and showing empathy can truly make a difference in someone's life. It's great to know there are others who feel the same way and understand the importance of simply being there for others.
Your 'giveashititis' sounds like a wonderful quality to have!
Thank you for sharing this touching story. Too often people don't take the time to acknowledge a strangers comment or dismiss it because they are too busy to chat. Your willingness to stop, listen with empathy was an act of kindness that will not be forgotten by this gentleman. Humans are social creatures and we need to make connections to feel wholly human, something that seems to have been lost in this digital world. A chance encounter with an "earthly angel" was his gift that day simply because he recognised a sign.
@SurferDave64 Thank you so much for your kind words. I truly believe in the power of small acts of kindness and the connections we make, however brief they might be. In a world where digital interactions often overshadow face-to-face encounters, taking the time to listen and acknowledge someone can make a profound impact.
It's a beautiful reminder that being present and empathetic can turn ordinary moments into meaningful experiences. We never know how much a simple gesture can mean to someone. I appreciate your reflection on our need for connection, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share this story and remind us all of the importance of human interaction.
I am sure you were deeply touched by him telling you a bit of his life's story. So sorry to hear of his loss. I have come across many stories like this in my lifetime. And it never seems to end, everyone has suffered some kind of deep losses in their lives.
For me I listen and give them my deepest and sincerest condolences and tell them they have to move one and try to enjoy life the best they can.
Thanks for sharing this with us and that's a great purse by the way. I hope your Tuesday continues to treat you well..
@Tmptrzz Thank you for sharing your thoughts and kind words. I was surprised he noticed my change purse as it's small and fits inside my regular shoulder bag. It was indeed touching to hear his life's story and learn about his loss.
Everyone seems to carry their own deep stories of loss and resilience. Offering a listening ear and sincere condolences can make a big difference. I'm grateful to be able to connect with others through these experiences.
I'm glad you like the purse!
Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday as well.
Touching story
Thank you for sharing
@EnyojLife Real-world encounters can indeed be some of the most impactful. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Happens quite often to me. Just listen and wish them the best. Most time they just need someone to listen to them.
@1salesman3 That’s a great approach. Sometimes, just being there and listening can make all the difference. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I have experienced things like that. I usually share a tear and a gentle touch on the hand. Sometimes a hug, though not often.
How do I cope? It depends on what is shared. I might simply hope I never run into them again.
@superbjversion2 Thank you for sharing. Different experiences can evoke various responses. I usually reserve hugs for those I know. Coping varies greatly based on the situation and what is shared.
Sometimes it's easier to open up with strangers.
@spunkycumfun For some, there is a unique comfort in the openness that often comes with anonymity.
Afterwards, I was reminded of this song because it captures feelings of life's unexpected turns, loss, and the bittersweetness of shared, fleeting connections.