At a time when the news seems to enjoy focusing on bad things, it's great to be able to be reminded that there are still people in the world who are kind and willing to make to go out of their way for you. I was in a accident last night. A car swerved across my path on the M4 highway, throwing me from my motorbike. As the roller coaster ride played in slow-motion, the bike managed to tear rear wheel from the car that hit me, spin through the air and land on my right leg, trapping me under the wreck of bike. Somehow, I also managed to split my helmet in two as it hit the concrete without ripping my jaw of (as it probably should have).
People on the road stopped, jumped out of their cars, and helped me without thinking about themselves. They created a protective ‘box’ of cars around me, though I was not really in any condition to fully understand. My rescuers proceeded to address the traffic chaos that ensued, closing a major route out of London for nearly 2 hours. With care and kindness, they held my head steady (possible neck injuries) and comforted me for 40 minutes, until an ambulance arrived to take my broken body to hospital.
My family and I are very grateful to these people, who we will probably never meet. Not only for the care and time they gave without expecting anything in return, but also for making me believe in the power of ‘society’. Even though the people who helped me were very special, I believe that we all have a compassionate side, and that in tough times, the best in people shines through. When the emergency services showed up, I was once again amazed at how kind people can be. I was amazed by how smart everyone in our National Health Service is; they are priceless (and we all should remember that because you never know when you will need it).
Thanks to everyone involved (and sorry to anyone caught up in the traffic chaos). I woke up this morning in some pain, but I was so moved by how kind people are that I had to share. We live in a wonderful world.
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