Today, while waiting for the Clark 5 bus at Yonge and Steeles, I did the unthinkable. Don’t get yourself too worked up; I didn’t do anything that would put me in jail, or even leave me with a stern warning. I just did something completely unexpected and unconventional. I spoke to a complete stranger at the bus stop.
Now, it wasn’t one of those awkward conversations that makes you want to back away slowly then bolt as soon as you’re far enough away. In all honesty, I didn’t even start the conversation by choice; I guess you could say it was more of an urge to do good. “Timothy, you’re losing it. Talking to strangers doesn’t help anyone. It just makes them feel awkward and you look like a fool.” On the contrary my dear friends, on the contrary. The stranger I spoke to was a woman.
Going to a school an hour away from my house, I have become quite accustomed to the Viva/York Region Transit system. After a meeting I had following dismissal, I headed toward the intersection of Yonge and Steeles to hop on the Clark 5 bus, as I do anytime I spend the evening at my grandma’s house. I stamped my Viva ticket, as I do everyday, went to the Tim Hortons in the gas station, grabbed a tea and returned to the bus stop.
As I waited, I noticed that a woman of around sixty-five was having difficulty finding the slot to stamp her ticket. Being a frequent user of the bus system, and often stamping my ticket at that stop, I showed her where the slot was. She smiled and thanked me for helping her and proceeded to look at the route map to find out what stop to get off at.
Seeing that she was having difficulty reading the small print on the map, again I asked her if she needed any help. Again, she smiled and said “Yes, I do. Would you happen to know if Hillcrest Mall is in Zone One or Zone Two?” I smiled and replied that Hillcrest fell in zone two and that the ticket she had purchased was enough to get her to where she needed to go. Again she smiled and began telling me of how she wasn’t used to taking the bus, that a transit company that worked on an honour system was unexpected because she thought that the world “[couldn't] trust Canadians” and that she appreciated all of my help.
The Viva Blue bus, which would take her to Hillcrest, arrived. She boarded and went on her way.
Helping that woman reminds me of another time I did something similar and, coincidentally, it involved the Viva bus.
About a year and a half ago, I was sitting on the Viva bus heading for home when I noticed two elderly women talking behind me. One of them had manged to snag a seat, while the other was left to stand. Seeing that the woman standing was in pain, I stood up and offered my seat. Both women, long-time friends, had commented on what a gentleman I was and how they both appreciated me giving up my seat.
We began chatting and created a little game. We would see if I would be able to grab a seat before someone else got it. Sadly, I was terrible at the game and had to stand for the majority of my ride home.
Even though I was left standing there, bracing myself against the bumps and potholes, I couldn’t help but smile. I was content knowing that I had helped someone else, expecting nothing in return.
I guess it goes to show you that a good deed is its own reward. (Cheesy, but true.)
Before I go, I leave you with a challenge. The next time you’re on the bus, or waiting at the bus stop, try and help someone if the opportunity presents itself. You never now… You might end up like me, finding friends in unexpected places.
Until next time, I’ll be here “in the midst of living.”
