It was a rainy day and it was the hour of each day wherein people are already bound to go home. The streets are crowded with people eager to go home. People who come from various walks of life yet met at a specific time and place in each day just to go home to their families. Well, good for those who are blessed with resources, both financially and materially. Good for those who have private vehicles in going home. During these times, it made me actually wish for such luxury. Sadly, nowadays and with the current situation with our flow of traffic, private vehicles of various kinds are already a necessity.
I was blessed despite the fact that physically I am not encouraged to run and catch for a ride with my delicate heart condition, I was able to get a ride going home. It was I think the most privileged part of any public vehicle...the front seat. When you are seated in front you got more enough space for yourself. You don't have to brush your arm against other people's arm because rarely you will get someone to sit beside you other than the driver. It was indeed a privilege and a slight luxury at the same time. A slight luxury since riding in your own car still holds the best option.
It was a joyous moment since it was the rare times. I am just there sitting in the passenger seat all by myself...with the driver of course on the wheels. It was a smooth ride despite the rain.
While we were taking the road and going for a stop since the lights signaled for it, an old woman soaked with rain and holding two huge grocery bags knocked on the window of the front seat where I was seated. I rolled it down and she was begging if there's a seat left... The driver said no but since I really pitied her, I offered my seat. I did not go down from the vehicle instead I just moved closer to the driver. I thought it was just okay but when the driver asked If I am sure with moving...it was then I realized that something might be wrong. When everything seemed to be in place and the old woman was settled in, I realized that I was actually sitting on the vehicle's engine... It was really hot even if it was already covered with a cushion. No wonder the driver asked me if I will be okay. I am thinking of going down and just wait for another ride but the rain and flooded streets stopped me from doing so. Besides it was also evening already.
So I decided to stay and just bear with the pain. It was then I realized that sometimes we might be asked to give up something or someone that we liked or needed the most since we are thinking not only about ourselves but also other people.
That moment was actually heartbreaking and painful to me.. Yet the pain was actually worth something...the well being of others.. On my part, I was able to help the old woman. Sacrificing my own regarded luxury for the greater good. To be hurt yet at the same to be happy knowing that you have helped someone...is indeed the kind of luxury I would be happy to share with other people. Sacrifice does not always mean giving up your own life, shedding your blood... I think as simple as offering your seat is enough.