Help From a Stranger

On Friday evening, Hannah and I had a girls night out – dinner and window shopping at the mall. Hannah looked so pretty, I did her hair and she wore her Love’s Baby Soft perfume. We had cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory and headed for the mall. She did have one seizure at restaurant but recovered without much embarrassment. But at the mall, she wanted to ride the escalator. Half way down, I felt her go down. I could not support her (she weighs 80 lbs.), nor could I pick her up. Talk about panic inside. I could see the metal treads disappearing into the floor below and us getting trampled by the people stacking up behind us (it was crowded). I tapped the man’s back in front of me with my free hand and with pleading eyes said, “Excuse me sir, please help me with my daughter.” He was either Hispanic or Asian, I think Asian, no taller than me. Clearly English was not his first language. He turned around and whipped Hannah up into his arms (she was still convulsing) and carried her to a nearby couch. He asked, “What happened, what happened?” I motioned my head with my hand, “She has epilepsy, seizures.” I sat down with Hannah and didn’t see him again. He disappeared into the throngs of mall shoppers. I didn’t get to thank him. She cried then collected herself. Then I cried! We sat for a while but when she saw my tears, she said we could go home. I told her no, this is what we came for and we will “shop.” And we did once I steadied myself. But I was very shaky for about 20 minutes, close to tears with a very thick throat and heavy heart.  It was so scary, and heartbreaking to know I couldn’t help her. Don’t know what we’ll do if surgery doesn’t work. I can’t bear to see Hannah slip away. She had so much life and love. It has to come back, she has to come back to us.

She did have a good time by the way. Very talkative and I had a hard time keeping up with her at the mall! Told her she could be a mall power walker! It was good for her to get out.

To the stranger who helped, I thank you and am forever in you debt. You acted immediately knowing just what had to be done. When help is needed, there is no necessity for language just a servant heart. I thank you.