My confession

Song spinning now: 'Papillon' by Secret Garden


Have you ever see someone in need and you know you should go up to help, but you are not fast to act on it and adopt a wait-and-see attitude instead?

I was walking towards bus 139 stand in Toa Payoh Interchange when I saw two 'uncles' walking towards my direction and were talking in a manner that sound like shouting. As I was walking fast, I didn't bother to take a good look at them. As I stood at the 139 stand, I turned around and saw the two men had already walked to a nearer distance. Suddenly, it became clear to me what they are 'shouting' about.

I realised these 2 men are actually blind and they had been shouting 'Excuse me, may I know where is bus number 231?' repeatedly. Both were carrying their sticks and holding on to each other's arm as they walked on. The sad thing was that those people who walked past can't even be bothered to stop and help them. Many just passed by, pretending not to see and some even tried to avoid them by diverting their routes. There were about 6 people who passed by and none of them did anything to help.

In fact, I was no better than the 6 because from the moment I was aware of their situation, I didn't go up to offer help immediately. I was looking at them from where I stood, which was a short distance away from them, and silently hoping that one of these people who walked pass them will extend their help. In my mind I was also debating whether I should just go up and help without further delay. As I still debating, there was this man who stepped out of nowhere, walked up without any hesitation and lead them to bus 231 stand.

Conscience started to eat me away when I realise I didn't do anything to help when I knew someone needed it badly, I felt like a loser for my inaction. I don't know why I was acting so passively that day, I did have the intention to help but somehow I just didn't do it. What was wrong with me? Did I even have a heart? Was it beacause of the bad day I had that made me so unresponsive?

I know this should not be an excuse. I was a good example of someone with no action, but rather sitting around, thinking and waiting for it to happen. The consequence is that I'll be carrying that guilt with me, whereas the man who went up to help get to receive the pure joy for helping someone in need.

I guess in times of our life, we tend to encounter such situations that really put our character and soul to the test. It is the concious decision we make and the effort we take that will really set us apart from the rest. When other people choose not to do it, you go for it instead. Anyway, what's the risk of helping someone? There's really none..

I acknowledge my selfishness this time, but I'll make sure there will not be a next time. Here's a promise I made to myself. The next time I encounter a smilar situation, I will not choose to ignore or react, I will respond to it instead. :)