I was just reminded today of what a small contribution can do in the grand scheme of things.
As I was ridesharing with my girlfriend having coffee and a nice conversation. She happened to look down at my wrist while driving and said, "Oh that watch looks good on you."
I told her that it happened to be given to me by a nice friend. Of course, that friend was her. We chatted and I had to remember that not so long ago the same watch did more than just look good.
I told her the story of how her seemingly modest gift helped save a life.
The day before our conversation I was riding with our mutual friend Leyla. We had taken the day to take care of some mundane things and enjoyed having a day together.
It was nearing 100 degrees and believe me, I felt it. Her car felt slightly cooler than the outside but I enjoyed just being in her company so much more.
Some people know that when they are with people that they enjoy being around, little inconveniences are minor. I had her company and time spent with her was enjoyable.
Around lunch time she said,"I'm famished, let's get some lunch." She proceeded to call a friend of hers that I have become acquainted with. Her friend Cherelle gave a come on over by phone and we proceeded to her place for lunch.
Truth be told, I was looking for some quiet time and a chance to catch up with the two of us. But I relaxed and went along with the program. No matter what, I thought that we would at least spend some time together.
The temperature was steadily climbing and I was so hoping that her friend had her air conditioner on full blast.
Texas heat is unforgivable.
Upon arrival, I was reintroduced to a most welcoming lady, Cherelle. I have only met her once and I knew I would like seeing her a second time. Her apartment was well furnished in earthy tones that I love! Plants were strategically placed for aesthetics and a calming atmosphere.
This lady knew how to promote a calm and serene space! And I told her how I loved her decorating scheme.
The lunch was delicious and the conversation was delightful.
That was until we heard a loud banging on the door.
It was not just any knock. I could tell. But Leyla and I just continued to speak as a tall gentleman came in quickly introduced himself and spoke with our friend Cherelle in the hallway. I picked up some urgency in their conversation being that they were speaking so close to me as I lounged in her chair. I ignored their words being that he wasn’t speaking directly to me.
The gentleman left within a few minutes and we continued with our discussion. Somehow, the subject had diverted from the usual girly banter to what type of drinks were best for people that worked outside in the high heat.
I deduced that this was the conversation that Cherelle had with the gentleman that came in. We all contributed to the new subject and a few moments later...
Another loud banging on the door occurred. This time, I was on full alert. Perhaps, one time was easy to overlook...but a second time?...
The gentleman came back in and I noted his facial features. His entire demeanor...
Someone was in trouble.
NOW.
I asked for a brief account of what was happening as I darted down the stairs.
My arthritic knees, plantar fasciitis, weakened condition forgotten.
I was told later that day by my girlfriend that she had never seen me move that fast!
I got to a site where I found a man lying in the grass nearly unconscious.
The sun was beaming down on us but I did note that he was in the shadiest place around.
I commanded the nearest person to call 911.
I usually never command. But I did this time.
A person's' life was in danger.
I could hear the teenager calling for medical assistance and I performed a fast triage.
Thankfully, the man was breathing and he had a pulse. It was thready...but a pulse. He was moaning and appeared to me in pain as he thrashed about.
I thanked G-d for that and I am not ashamed to say that I was praying all the while I was with that man.
Being that I was trained in CPR and I instinctively looked at my watch and counted his pulse and respirations.
My watch?!
I don't wear watches anymore!
Ever since I got a smartphone, like so many people these days we stopped wearing them. Even though I still feel underdressed without one I kept telling myself I needed to get one. Because I do dislike having to pull out a clunky cell phone just to see what time it is. It has been years since I had a watch.
But today I had one.
Today I needed one.
The gift from a friend.
Perhaps I could have functioned without one. With my initial touch of the man, I got a quickie baseline of his condition.
But I was so grateful that the watch I was wearing gave me more accurate numbers for this situation.
I proceeded to cool off and perform the necessary assistance he needed. Once the medics arrived, I gave them a report of my findings.
The gentleman survived.
I am so happy that such a seemingly small gift from a kind person did more than look good and help me keep time.
It also saved a human life.
