I had to post again today because I wanted to share something that I don't want to forget. So it was an idiot thing for me to do, to go into work today because, basically, as soon as I got there, I turned around to go home.
So what normally takes about an hour commute, took 4.5 hours today. There were massive delays. I had to switch trains twice because the ones I was on kept breaking down. And all throughout the journey, we would idle between station stops for, ohhh, a good 20 - 30 minutes or longer. People started to get shitty and loud with each other for no reason and I just wanted to get off the train.
Then FINALLY when I got to my stop, I had to climb over a snow bank to get to my car. I was thigh deep in snow, drenched, head hurting, sniffling, and...I saw my car like the way it was pictured above.
How the fuck was I gonna get out of that? Called husband and he was stuck at home and couldn't get out. Plus I had no shovel in my car to even attempt a dig out. I thought about taking a cab from the station to my house but had no cash on my person and wondered if any cabbie would take me into town to the nearest ATM to get cash to pay him.
All of it just started to get to me and I lowered my head in a Charlie Brown-pathetic sort of way and started crying a little. Then I felt foolish for doing so and I remember saying FUUUUUUUUCK. I didn't care who heard. I was just so exhausted. Home felt so close...yet so faraway.
Then outta nowhere, I heard a voice. A man, who was waiting at the station to pick up his wife, appeared with a shovel and offered to help dig me out.
I couldn't thank him enough. I almost hugged him. He dug as much snow as he could. I offered to do it but he wouldn't let me. He said he would want someone to help his wife if she was ever in this predicament. Then my Saab plowed through what he couldn't shovel. She's a beast in the snow.
The man's name is Alan. (Or maybe Allen). I thanked him profusely. He was my angel today. He wanted nothing in return.
I was so overwhelmed. Restored my faith in humanity, especially after hearing the shitty people on the train.
So this is a reminder for me...that a little kindness goes a long way. And when you can't return a favor...pay it forward.
To Mr. Alan out there -- wherever you are. I'm grateful and sending many good thoughts your way. I hope when you need an "angel" some day, he or she is there for you. I'm home safe. Thanks.
@johenn@amandal I was so thankful he just kind of appeared outta nowhere. Thanks for reading, ladies. Am looking forward to paying the favor forward sometime soon. :)
Un-freakin-real!! So sorry you had to go through such a trying experience. I absolutely feel for you. I have had similar fun. With all due respect to my fellow commuters/travelers, New Yorkers really have to endure some hardships. Gee Whiz, this system sucks. Nice silver lining outlook though with the dashing Samaritan :) Better luck tomorrow!
@adamj was thinking about your commute today, Adam. I'm sure it was also a snowy mess. As for tomorrow, screw that. If it is at all precipitating when I wake up, I am not going in. I really don't give a fuck. I'm not taking the chance of spending 4-5 hours to get to work and 4-5 hours getting home. The news keeps saying that Metro north is running on an hourly schedule. That's a bunch of bullshit. I know this because that's not how it went down when I was trying to get home and they kept saying they were running hourly.
Good luck on the LIRR tomorrow. Will be wishing you well!
Jeeeeeeeezzzzzzze! OMG! Can't believe the amount of snow there is! I am so sorry for what you had to go through! Thank God for Alan...I agree that there are loads of good people out there doing these lovely things for their fellow human beings who do not get acknowledged! Ms. T stay safe...so on days like these stay home! :)
@jpgiorgio yes I learned my lesson yesterday. Not trying to be the hero today. It could've been worse yesterday and I was trying my best to keep it together and be patient. But I felt literally sick and was cold and wet and tired, I had just about lost it until the kind man appeared. It's not lost on me either that people have had it having it worse right now too. So I'm grateful and trying to change my attitude about this weather :) I am one of the luckier ones.
Good luck on the LIRR tomorrow. Will be wishing you well!