Member-only story
She couldn’t buckle her seat belt and started to cry
When I gave her a ride on Sunday
Our pastor was asking for volunteers. A married couple couldn’t drive any more, due to health issues. Who would be willing to give them a ride to church once a month?
I was one of those who agreed to help.
I picked them up yesterday. It should have gone smoothly. It didn’t.
When they came to the car, I noticed that the husband sprang forward but the wife lagged behind. I wondered why. Then I looked in her eyes. There was fear there. I didn’t understand at first.
Her husband, who was tall and thin, reached out hand to shake mine. She stood apart. She had a shell around herself. Just as tall as her husband, she was three times as wide. A large person, she was completely encased in shapeless clothing.
He opened the front passenger door for her and hopped into the back. It took her a while to carefully climb in. Then… she couldn’t buckle the seat belt.
I didn’t know what to do. I wanted her to be safe. I also didn’t want her to be embarrassed. Should I offer a hand?
The poor woman struggled. Red faced, she asked her husband for assistance.
