Writing this morning in a cafe I glanced up and saw a young woman coming in on crutches, she was slightly built and small and following at a painful distance the bigger, older man who might have been her father or, perhaps, her lover. He forged ahead and sat down, he was already reading the menu while she struggled around the back of the couch and reached the table. He saw me watching and his attitude melted like magic. “Let me help you with those,” he demanded, holding out his hand for the crutches but without getting up.
What a guy.
Did I go over there and tell her she deserves more kindness, and he’s not treating her right? Yes I did. Ordinarily I would have said that to him directly. Today I was feeling somewhat fragile and tired so I waited until he went to the bathroom before I spoke.
When I told a friend about this man’s insensitivity she asked, what did you say? I told her, I asked if I could speak. She assumed I was offering help and said no no I’m fine. I said he should not be barrelling ahead and comfortably seated while she struggles on crutches. I said it hurt to see her gamely staggering round all the obstacles while he just left her and took his ease, he should be by her side and supporting and protecting her. I told her men have a protectiveness they can offer us in this world partly through size and I was sorry he was not doing that. She stared unblinking like she was getting chastised, perhaps just shock, and when I said you deserve more kindness and I don’t think this man is giving you that, she smiled a painful smile and said thank you.
crutchpapa
Comments
9 responses to “crutchpapa”
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I’m sure what you said to her touched her deeply and she went away thinking about that. Most women don’t know their own worth and get disrespected and just think it’s normal. You’re a wonderful person.
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My whole chest just filled up with tears, thank you so much, Emma. What a beautiful thing to say.
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you really are a beautiful soul. Don’t ever change
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Thank you for doing that.
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I love how all my woman friends keep doing what we can with where we are.
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Emma: she is a gem.
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Am honoured.
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You’re so inspirational & you inspire me to continue to attempt to make a difference too.
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I think I want to date him and have his babies. You are a champion, Cathoel.
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