I know I complain sometimes about how strangers treat me differently because I look so frail these days, like a stiff wind might blow me over. But I am also constantly surprised when complete strangers come up to me at the hospital or on the street to help me get somewhere.

It happened the other day in Walsenburg. I was walking over to Social Services to arrange my brother’s transfer to assisted living, when I ran into some ice on the sidewalk. I was really concerned because I cannot afford to fall again. A nice older man appeared and held my hand while I walked across the ice. How nice is that?

Just a little bit of kindness sure goes a long way towards making me believe in people. I used to be the helper and now I’m the helpee!