Copyright 2018 The Toad in MY Road

28 February 2018, Atlanta International Airport

Today at the airport in Atlanta, I witnessed humanity at its worst. A blind man, with a large, gold Labrador Retriever Guide Dog exited the train at terminal A. Everyone was jostling past this man in their hurry to their destination. People were actually banging into this man and his dog, knocking them about as they hurriedly went on their way. Both man and dog remained calm as humanity swirled about them. The man looked left, then right, not sure of which way to proceed. His blindness was obvious, not only because of the large guide dog in complete Guide Dog harness, but because there were only had 2 slits of skin where his eyes should have been. Clearly he was either born without eyes or lost them due to injury or disease.

I stepped up to the man and asked if I could help him to the escalator. He responded, “yes, please”. I guided him to the escalator. As we ascended to terminal A, the gentleman asked if I could point him to the line for a food outlet where he might buy a wrap. I agreed to help. At the top of the escalator, there was a Great Wraps and I guided him to the line to make his purchase. I asked if I could assist hm further and he said no and thanked me for assisting him. He wished me safe travels and I wished him the same.

I relate this story not because I want praise for helping a blind man but rather to say how much in awe I am of this man, and all unsighted people, who travel alone. I cannot imagine the courage it must take to step out into our busy world alone and not be able to see where you are going. Sure the guide dog helps you move through the traffic, but the dog cannot tell you which way to go to get to the escalator. It cannot tell you which eatery has wraps. Instead, you must rely on the help of total strangers and pray that they are willing to help you.

Today I witnessed 100’s of people rush by this man with no thought to offer assistance. I wanted to shout to the people – slow down, be aware of others, show some compassion for your fellow man for one day you may be the person that needs help.