Happy Journal

I have been trying to find some time to record my subway encounters but recently could not find any, so finally, decided to just do it!

Usually every Sunday evening, I will travel on the subway to downtown with Auntie S. She is 60 plus, with beautiful white hair. Since it is usually a long journey, I always try to ask people to to give up seats for her. Here are the different types of people I have encoutered:

(1) The warm hearted

They would give up seat automatically when they saw Auntie S coming near, and happily let Auntie S sat down.

Our hearts were warmed, and thanked them happily. Everyone smiled happily.

(2) The tender hearted

I had to bring Auntie S near them, and asked, "Is there anyone who would like to give up seats for this Auntie?".

They would willingly stand up, and gave up the seats, sometimes even said with a few words of apologies.

Our hearts were comforted, and thanked them for their kindness.

(3) The cold hearted

To my surprise, there were some who did not even response to my "thick skinned" request!!!! They just turned a deaf ear to me!

As a teacher, I think I have quite a loud voice. Anyway, since they were "deaf", they could not hear my plea. Sigh!

Our hearts sunk, and stood all the way.

(4) The stone hearted

Once, I made my request to a young lady sitting in the seat for "老弱病残". The lady turned my request flat down. Alas!

I couldn't believe my ears and eyes! I looked at her with an aching heart. 

I stood there wordless with Auntie S.

So, every time, when I go on the subway with Auntie S, she would say, "It is ok that I stand." I know phsyically it is not ok for her.

The fact is that she does not want to face another challenge of coldness of hearts.  

For me, I will continue my plea. Hopefully, we can meet the warm hearted and tender hearted.

What kind of hearts do we have when we face those in need? This is a question I need to ask and remind myself.