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It will take just 60 seconds to read this and change your thinking..

By Kent Nerburn

There was a time in my life twenty years ago when I was driving a cab for a living. It was a cowboy’s life, a gambler’s life, a life for someone who wanted no boss, constant movement and the thrill of a dice roll every time a new passenger got into the cab.

What I didn’t count on when I took the job was that it was also a ministry. Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a rolling confessional. Passengers would climb in, sit behind me in total anonymity and tell me of their lives.

We were like strangers on a train, the passengers and I, hurtling through the night, revealing intimacies we would never have dreamed of sharing during the brighter light of day. I encountered people whose lives amazed me, ennobled me, made me laugh and made me weep.
And none of those lives touched me more than that of a woman I picked up late on a warm August night.

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 neighborhood 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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21 comments on “The Cab Ride He’ll Never Forget”

  1. David Smith

    What an amazing and beautiful story. A true heart warmer. I could relate to this myself as I drove night shift in a cab for 18 months and also found many passengers would just open up to you. We should all learn from the above story. Thank you for sharing.

  2. kada

    That is a magnificent story – without question life-changing. It is truly the small things which matter on many occasions,

  3. John Broadbent

    What a wonderful reminder of the impact small kindnesses can have. Back in 1975 I had a high-school teacher who inspired me in my last year and prepared me for University. A week ago I came across his name in unusual circumstances and as he was the only teacher I remember from high-school, I tracked him down to post a copy of my recent book, in thanks for his guidance and mentoring. We spoke for the first time only yesterday and although he has no memory of me as a student, he offered that his own son, also a teacher, remarked that he comes home each day not knowing whether he made a difference. Hopefully, stories such as above and mine will remind us all that every time we help someone, no matter how small, we ALWAYS make a difference.

  4. Geoff Sykes

    What a great story – thank you for sharing it, for whatever reasons we often overlook the needs of the aged and lose patience with their procrastination.
    I speak from experience when I say “just one act of kindness” to a fellow human being when provided without an alternative motive is the greatest gift anyone can give.
    Thank you again Kent for reminding all of us of the true meaning of Christianity – to love thy neighbour and to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”

  5. Neville Stone

    Sometimes we forget the ripple effect. I remember many years go handing a wallet in to Police after finding it on a road. I thought nothing of it- however the man whose wallet it was had earlier reported it stolen to a different Police station, accused a person of the theft and made quite a scene.

    When he had the wallet returned with all his money, licences and everything else he was apparently astounded that there was some honesty in the world. I was told the story by Police, and a few months later the man contacted me and said that my tiny action had changed his life, and he had changed his jaundiced view of the world.

    Some years later when I was having a hard time financially I lost my wallet in a muddy tip with my last $100 in it. I could not find it when I went back. It was all I had for 3 weeks and I was distressed.

    A person arrived at my door and delivered the wallet that afternoon. Karma was kind to me when I needed it most.

    It is not to brag about my action, only to raise awareness that the Universe pays attention. Tiny actions can have huge consequences.

  6. David Hunt

    Very very touching.

    Thank you for that.

    I needed that – I remember 2 old ladies just like that when I was young.

    One was mute & deaf but cleaned the area and made sure the water bubbler (showing my age) worked & was clean.

    Miss Arichibald lived in a well off suburb yet she was poor & only had her house down a few doors from ours.

    One day I went to her musty house and spent some time with her. Even though Communication was hard she was an angel with no words.

    She must have died sometime after that – we never heard – she had no family left either.

    A very gentle lonely beautiful soul no one seemed to have had time for because she was frail old and poor and they were rushing to pay the high mortgages in the area and paying school fees and fighting to keep up.

    It is very sad and a wake up call.

  7. Peter Hayton

    Something this simple makes you realize how much of life we are passing by with the focus on all the wrong things. Life is too short, busy and fast.

  8. Chi Chau

    A great story to remind us, that the greatest defining moments of our lives – is when we experience compassion.

    Often, we have disputes with family and friends that continue for a long time, simply because we are stubborn.

    For those fortunate enough to have parents and siblings who are still alive, next time you see them – think of this story, and greet them with a big smile and hug!

  9. Michael Nguyen

    Thank you, what a beautiful story! Just last week I was sharing with my two young girls about kindness and helping people in needs.

  10. Henri Reiche

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
    Just goes to show. When we stop and ponder on somethings, we can put life in a better perspective.

  11. Kevin Stevens

    The magic of life comes with “Atonement” … At-One-momentness.
    Some great stories about being one with the energy of the moment with your heart and head.
    Have a great day everyone, Cheers Kevin Stevens, Adelaide, South Australia.

  12. michele

    Thank you for letting me read the wonderful stories. I have one to tell.
    Many years ago after I lost my husband, had his brother staying for a few days. I went shopping relies I was short of $100. Found out my brother in law took my card and put it back. He stole from me and his nephews.
    Are few days later while I was doing training I was talking to a older lady she said she was put into the same positive. The next day out of her kindness she handed me $100 and told me to put it into my shoe.This way she said it can’t be taken from you again.
    Never seen the kind lady to repay her for her kindness , wisdom, support .
    I know something change that day . I got stronger and move forward.

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