three simple words

today was a gross day for public transit, but i think i was meant to get late for volunteering today, and step on board of a specific 99 B line. i noticed a lady walk on at Alison Road, and that she wasn't looking too super. as i was enjoying my yummy, and free, McDo coffee, i hear someone whimpering on the other side of the bus, and it was the same lady who walked on who wasn't look like she was having a fab day. being a chick who looks like a 15 year old, i thought it would be weird if i walked up to a lady who looked like she was in her 30's to ask if she was alright. 10 minutes later, i realize she's still crying and that, although everyone around her could see she was in distress, refused to even bother interrupting their super important ipod listening or newspaper reading. kind of hesitant, because i had no clue what her reaction would be, i walk up to her when the bus stopped at Granville to ask "Are you alright." she grabbed my hand and started crying more. then, because i'm pathetic, i start tearing a bit, because that's what i do in situations like this! LOL! after a minute or so, i gave her a hug (yes i hug complete strangers.. im a risk taker like that =P) and just rubbed her knee, hoping it would help, and luckily it did. close to where i was about to get off, i got the most sincere and genuine thank you i have ever gotten from a person. unlike most people, i thought of how i would feel if i was in her situation. if someone cries on public transit, one of the most public places to cry, you know something is really wrong. although i still have no clue what caused her to be so sad, i guess having a positive energy by her side, although it being from me (a complete stranger) is what made all the difference. sooo, next time you see someone who doesn't look like they're feeling too hot, put yourself in their shoes, and take the time just to ask "Are you alright?" it will probably mean more than you can ever imagine to them, and you'll get the warm tinglies inside after as well!! =D