By Sherry Murry
traffic coordinator

I heard about an elderly man in Japan who has stopped 129 people from jumping from a cliff near his home. His only concern is to let people know who have reached the point of wanting to end their lives that someone cared for them.

He simply goes up and gently talks to them, assuring them that their life is no mistake and is worth more than they realize.

When I was listening to his story and some of the people he had helped, the one thing that stuck in my mind and heart was … it just takes one person.

I thought to myself, you know, we are all just one person. Each of us could make an impact on the world where we could change things. Each of us has the ability to give a smile to somebody when we pass them.

Maybe that’s the smile that will make their whole day turn around. Or even a helping hand or encouraging word.

We all see people who need a helping hand somewhere. Why are we so slow to offer that helping hand? Do we not want to get involved? Has our society gotten self-centered that we can’t help someone when they need a hand?

I hear a lot of people say that people just don’t help each other like they use to.

Why is that? Does it really hurt to stop and help somebody out? Do we have that tight of a schedule in our lives that we can’t spare a few minutes to help somebody out when they could use some help?

The man in Japan got me thinking of a discussion I had with a very nice member suggesting that OOIDA have a mentoring program.

During our conversation, I mentioned to him that if he knew of a new driver, perhaps he could take that driver under his wing and be a mentor to the newbie.

I told him that I thought it was a very good idea, that he is part of the Association, and that there is no better way to make a positive impact on someone’s life than taking the initiative to just do it. 

We don’t need to have any rules or regulations telling us how to help each other.

I know we can’t stop along the road and help everybody you see. Unfortunately, with crime happening more frequently to good Samaritans, we all tend to not stop to help.

But should that stop us from getting help to those on the side of the road? I mean, most of us have cell phones that can contact roadside assistance for the person.

I have stopped and helped elderly people or a woman with kids before when I was alone, only to be scolded at by my husband – not because my heart was not in the right place, but because something could have happened to me.

I can understand that, but I have always told him, “If I see somebody that I can help, I’m gonna do it.”

I think we can all make a difference in this world, whether it’s showing respect to each other, opening a door, letting the guy that’s trying to pass you in, or whatever we can do to do a “random act of kindness.”

It may even be not offering a sarcastic comeback on the CB.

I just don’t think the image of that little man will ever leave my mind – saving one life at a time and letting others know they matter.

-by Sherry Murry, Land Line Now traffic coordinator
sherry_murry@ooida.com.