I cant say my familys wealthy, but we certainly dont go without.
My fathers battling lung cancer, but we manage to find the funds and treatment options he needs. Of course, holidays and updates to the telly have taken a backseatDads health matters more than anything right now.
The whole thing started one afternoon as I was making my way home from work. I spotted a woman sitting on a bench, clutching at her chest. Assuming something was wrong, I asked if she was alright. Her answer made it clear she wasnt, so I rang for an ambulance straightaway and stayed beside her, sharing a few mints Id found in my pocket, just hoping it might help her catch her breath. In the end, I agreed to accompany her to hospital, leaving my number with the nurse since I didnt know a thing about her.
The next day, I got a call saying the woman was doing well and would likely be discharged that evening, in case I fancied popping by. Honestly, I didnt. Making new friends wasnt on my mind. She, however, saw things rather differently. Having my number, she kept phoning, asking how she might return my kindness. I assured her I didnt need a thing; I had all I wanted. Still, she wouldnt let it drop. She called again and explained that she was quite well off and was certain she could find some way to help me.
When my wifewell, I suppose I should say my partner, Emilyfound out I was refusing any sort of reward, she was furious.
Were pouring money into your dads care, is it really so awful to accept a bit of help?
It made me wonder if perhaps she was right. So I called the woman up and explained about my fathers illness, about the bills piling up, and said if she was desperate to help, maybe she might contribute towards some medicine. Foolishly, I gave her my fathers details and the name of the hospital where he was staying.
The following day, a nurse rang to tell me that someone had covered my fathers medical expenses and intended to do so going forward.
Of course, it was her. I am truly grateful to her, but, if Im honest, it all felt a bit much. After all, Id simply done the basic decent thing by calling an ambulance, and now she was putting forward thousands of pounds for a strangers treatment. It unsettles meI cant quite explain it. Perhaps Im overthinking things; perhaps I should just count my blessings. Theres that old saying, Never look a gift horse in the mouth. Still, would you take such generosity from a stranger without a second thought? In the back of my mind, I feel I owe her something now, and I suppose thats the lesson Ive learnt: sometimes accepting acts of kindness brings its own burdens, no matter how grateful you might be.
