I don’t get out much, a year of long-Covid kind of did in my love of crowded places. My wife pushes me to get out more, if only to help her with groceries or a trip to Decathlon (my favourite store in the city – I am still looking for a cruiser vest but that’s a story for another day).
Sunday mornings are the exception. From 10:15 to 11:15 we have Boxing class, perhaps an odd choice to anyone who knows me. The boxing is for Sam, I merely make sure he gets to and from Beaver Boxing Club in one piece. And it gets me out of the house at a time when the traffic is light and people just a wee bit more friendly.
Since I don’t drive much in the city we take transit, first the trusty 86 Baseline bus then the O-Train for one stop (Tunney’s Pasture to Bayview). Since Sam and I both love trains this is a fun 7 minutes twice a week. I like transit, actually, much preferring to swipe my Presto card and let someone else deal with roadiots and parking. And Sunday’s my advanced age allows me free rides on OCTranspo so why not take advantage?
But I digress…
Today on the return trip home we boarded the 86 at Tunneys as usual. After us followed a Sikh family, father, mother and rambunctious boy of about 7 or 8. The mother was in a wheelchair so I noticed the son’s boisterousness (is that a word?) was kept well clear of her. The bus departed Tunney’s with the son swinging from the overhead hand holds.
At the next stop an elderly Chinese lady boarded the bus struggling with a baby carriage filled with fresh vegetables. By the look of the carriage and the lady’s frustrated attempts to maneuver the buggy I could tell it was heavy.
In mid swing the boy stopped and looked long at the Chinese lady. Then with a smile he helped her with the carriage and finding a seat. In was over in a minute but so spontaneous I just sat and watched in awe. The Chinese lady smiled ear to ear as did the boy. It was one of those moments that remind you of the good in people!
Kudos to the boy! And kudos to his parents for raising such an aware and caring child! It might have been a small act but to all of us it was an act that will stay with us next time a person honks impatiently in the lineup at Tim Hortons.
Happy Sunday!
Mark