Lesson From A Taxi Driver
I just read a poignant story and now feel compelled to share it with you. It has little to do with online entrepreneurship and living overseas but has everything to do with being patient, giving people time to learn and things to grow.
In our fast-paced world, we often forget to pause and reflect. So grab a cup of tea, read this story and take the time to reflect…
A NYC Taxi Driver Wrote:
I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead, I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. ‘Just a minute’, answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.
After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90’s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940’s movie.
By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.
There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.
‘Would you carry my bag out to the car?’ she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.
She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.
She kept thanking me for my kindness. ‘It’s nothing’, I told her.. ‘I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.’
‘Oh, you’re such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, ‘Could you drive through downtown?’
‘It’s not the shortest way,’ I answered quickly…
‘Oh, I don’t mind,’ she said. ‘I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice.
I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. ‘I don’t have any family left,’ she continued in a soft voice..’The doctor says I don’t have very long.’ I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.
‘What route would you like me to take?’ I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.
We drove through the neighbourhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
Sometimes she’d ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, ‘I’m tired. Let’s go now’.
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.
Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.
They must have been expecting her.
I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.
‘How much do I owe you?’ She asked, reaching into her purse.
‘Nothing,’ I said
‘You have to make a living,’ she answered.
‘There are other passengers,’ I responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.She held onto me tightly.
‘You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,’ she said. ‘Thank you.’
I squeezed her hand and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut.It was the sound of the closing of a life.
I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?
On a quick review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life.
We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.
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I’ve read this story too Sabine and it really touched me. Thank you for sharing it!
Thank you, Sabine, for sharing this story. We never know, nor control, what the consequences of our actions will be, so acting with kindness and compassion as much as we can is the only assurance we have that we will do the “right” thing. If the cab driver had driven away without going to the door, he never would have known what he missed. And although his actions were a great boon to the elderly lady, I think that their interaction was as much a boon for him as it was for her because it opened his heart in a way it hadn’t been open before and allowed him to express love. It is my belief that we are never closer to the Divine than when we allow love to flow through us.
Sabine, THis is a beautiful story. What a blessing that taxi driver was his fare. I just love how when we take the time to bless someone we ourselves are also blessed. He made her last ride memorable and I believe she has made and lasting mark on his heart.
Thanks for sharing this with us,
Jean
Gratitude Coach
Oh how I love this story and oh how I should not have read this when our chimney was being swept as it makes me cry every time I read it. Heaven knows what the two sweeps think lol. Beautiful, thank you.
Louise Edington
I heard this once before and it touched me so much!If we all had more compassion for others this world would be a better place for everyone. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Sabine, This is my first time reading this story and i got all teared up…I loved it! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Nathalie
I love this story! I thought of a really nice experience I had with a taxi driver in Germany, but I think I’d rather just go into my day focusing on the important message you’ve shared here – thank you!
Every time I read this story, I get all teared up with joy. She is so full of gratitude, even until the end of her physical days. Thank you for reminding me about this story.
That was beautiful, Sabine. Thanks for giving us pause for thought today.
Wow! I loved this story! Certainly gives us all something to think about. What is really important and how we can help others. A lot of times, it’s just the little things…
Wow – very touching story Sabine – thanks! What a wonderful taxi driver not having become cynical. I often watch people in what I call the “waitress” test. Maybe it is because one of my daughters is a waitress right now. How people treat a waitress is very enlightening. Take notice on their attitudes towards someone they consider “less” then themselves. If you want to know what someone is really made of, or thinking of getting more committed in business or relationship with them – take them to lunch and observe how they treat the waitress.
Love your blog – thanks for all the help you provide entrepreneurs…
You’re so right Curt! Thanks for sharing the story on your Facebook page…
Thanks Sabine for sharing this touching story… Sometimes we are so close from missing such important things in our life or in other people’s life…All the best from London!
Thanks Florence and hope all is fine in London!!!