Bus Stop
While I was waiting at 86th Street for the Fifth Avenue bus the other day, a young woman, probably in her 20s, walked up to me and asked where she could get the limited.
I told her the limited bus stop was about two blocks south, and she thanked me and started walking down Fifth. Then, checking my watch, I realized I might be late for my own appointment.
”Wait for me ” I called out, “I’ll take the limited too.”
As we walked along together, predictably, the limited bus went rumbling past us down Fifth Avenue.
”You’re younger,” I said, “run for it, and ask the driver to wait for me.”
Off she went at a brisk trot as I hurried after her at my decidedly slower pace.
When I got to the stop my young heroine was waiting for me on the steps of the bus.
She took my elbow to help me up, and huffing and puffing a bit I climbed aboard.
I thanked the bus driver for waiting, and turned to thank the young woman.
“No problem,”. she said, “you remind me of my grandma.”
Well, at least I made the bus.
– Dana Susan Lehrman
Dana Susan LehrmanThis retired librarian loves big city bustle and cozy country weekends, friends and family, good books and theatre, movies and jazz, travel, tennis, Yankee baseball, and writing about life as she sees it on her blog World Thru Brown Eyes!
www.WorldThruBrownEyes.com
Ouch, (That is meant as a compliment for a great story, Dana, but really all I could — or probably needed to –say.)
I feel your pain (and your aches!)
Ah, yes, indeed, Dana. Isn’t this help a mixed blessing? While I resented younger people moving chairs for me at my job, I do appreciate the help getting a carry-on into the overhead bin in an airplane!
Yes, but hated it on the supermarket checkout line when I heard a young mom say to her kid, “Let the old lady go first.”
I’ve received that line before, Dana. Most recently, it was from the young man who fixed my computer. It’s a backhanded complement, isn’t it?
Guess I should take it in stride!
You did that woman a favor by telling her where the bus stop was. She returned the favor. I see no problem here at all. I think we all need help at certain points in our lives. Glad she helped you out.
Yep, but “grandma”!
Love this story, Dana! You do a great job of setting the scene, describing the action, then hitting us with that punch line. As John said, ouch! Let’s just assume that young woman has a very hip, trendy grandma!
Ah, good advice Suzy – hip and trendy, that’s us!
As backhanded as it may have sounded to you, it was surely a compliment of the highest measure, because I bet she adored her grandmother and that’s probably why she was so helpful!
Thanx Barbara, what a sweet thought, I like it, I like it!