Kindness Still Exists
What could have been a horrible incident turned into a reminder that there are people who care
“If I can just get outside,” I thought to myself as I weaved my way to the exit of the restaurant, “I’ll be okay.” But I only got as far as a small booth where two people looked to be enjoying their lunch.
I did not want to ruin their day by passing out next to them, so I did an about-face and stumbled back to our booth.
“I’m going to faint,” I said to Victoria, who already had a concerned look on her face.”
“Lie down on the seat, “ she instructed.
It was either lose consciousness and fall headfirst onto our table or lie down.
What brought me to this point?
I’ve been fainting all my life. The first time was when I was in second grade, when my friend, Cynthia, and I were talking about some teenagers who fell on a mascot pig and broke its legs. Yes, I’ve always been sensitive about animal cruelty and death.
Then I fainted in front of a butcher shop in Ireland when I was 9. There were countless times throughout my life, usually revolving around blood (the movies Dressed to Kill, Robo Cop, and The Doctor) or getting blood drawn.
As I got older, I fainted less often, and it had to do with how I was feeling, blood sugar, etc. Once I fainted at my show, Pinata, in the box office at Bang. At that time, the onlookers said I went into a mini-seizure.
Last year, I nearly fainted after a severe thigh cramp. When I told my current doctor, she said what they said when I was growing up, that it was merely a vasovagal incident, nothing to be concerned about.
At this point, I know the pre-fainting symptoms: a lingering hot flash, a feeling of nausea, and overwhelming tiredness. I hate fainting and its subsequent loss of control. Though when I’m out, I often have a pleasant dream—go figure.
So lately, I’ve been dealing with my knee injury (Yes, WE KNOW, Christine) and lots of other fun little issues on the side. What will it be today? Knee pain and hip pain? How about some back pain for good measure?
Yesterday, I got an aural migraine while I was in the shower. After drying off, I immediately took some Tylenol, and then I had a cup of fully decaffeinated tea, as I’ve heard that helps with migraine.
I haven’t had full-on caffeine for months, and along with the migraine, it may have contributed to the fainting spell.
Before our food arrived, I got a weird stomach pain like a reverse cramp. It happened twice, then went away. Although new, this may have been a warning of a soon-to-come fainting.
It wasn’t long after eating that I felt faint.
Of course, someone lying down in the booth, sitting up to take sips of water, and icing the back of her neck, alarmed the restaurant staff.
I will say that the other patrons didn’t seem to notice at all.
The waitress called the manager over, and he offered to call the paramedics, but we told him it wasn’t necessary. They said I could lie there as long as I needed.
After a while, the fog in my brain lifted somewhat, and I sat up. Victoria paid the bill and was diligent in making sure the waitress got her tip. Afterward, Victoria went to get the car.
At first, several of the staff offered to help me out, but I demurred, feeling as if it wasn’t really necessary at this point. Then a handsome, older man, but probably younger than me, tan and with his hair in a ponytail ( I know, but it worked), took my purse and held out his arm.
Well, who am I to say no to a kind, good-looking man?
He escorted me out with gentleness and care, and I was struck with the thought that most of the time, people want to help. I was slightly mortified, but he didn’t act like I was a frail old lady or a nutjob, but someone who literally needed a hand.
I remember one time, Trish, my late psychic friend, fell backward off the escalator (one of my fears) at Target. She was basically fine, but a little banged up, and the paramedics had to load her onto a gurney and take her to the hospital.
“Weren’t you embarrassed?” I asked her later.
“No, everyone was so nice, and we were all cracking jokes.”
As we get older, we stop being so precious about ourselves.
I’m grateful for so many things regarding yesterday, such as not actually fainting, having a caring friend like Victoria, and the reminder that humans can be wonderfully kind. Not all, but lots.
It is good to know that good people are there to help. I am no stranger to fainting, and with time I have gotten better at asking strangers for help.
There is always someone nearby to lend a hand, and thank goodness you found that to be true. I believe in the goodness of people, though it has felt more complicated than usual of late.