Whenever I’m walking around downtown, or in an area with plenty of pedestrians, I tend to get asked for directions a lot. I’m certain it doesn’t say “ask for help” across my forehead, nor am I wearing a shirt that says “I know where everything is.” I must look like a friendly person who knows where I’m going, and quite frankly, I love it. I know my city well and I love being able to point a lost person in the right direction. It may be a small gesture, but I know what it feels like to be disoriented and confused in a city that isn’t your own. A few extra moments taken to exchange words and give direction is all that’s needed to help improve someone’s day. And, if that’s all it takes, why not help someone?
Just like 23-year-old Alonzo Johnson did when he noticed a man who was confused and frightened and took the initiative to step up to help him out. [googleade2]
At the Holyoke Mall in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA, Alonzo was walking around doing some summer shopping. He was picking up things he needed when he happened to look over and noticed a man hesitating at the top of the escalator. Alonzo says, “I saw an elderly man just looking for someone to show that they care and to help him through a fear that he had.” The man was frightened, apparently, he had had a previous experience that terrified him and has since been scared when faced with having to use an escalator.
Alzono stepped in. He approached the man with an extended arm, asking if he could escort him down. The two became fast friends, the 83-year-old man opening up to Alonzo’s many questions as part of his plan to keep the older man’s mind occupied. He even paid the gentleman a compliment, saying he had a nice hat and how good he looked for his age!
Little did Alonzo realize, a hospice nurse was right behind them, and she snapped a picture of them with locked arms going down the escalator. She posted the image on her Facebook page and immediately received comments like, “The world needs more people like this,” and, “Humanity doesn’t get any better than this.” This video has nearly 4 million views!
Click below to watch a simple gesture mean the world to someone.
