Right Place, Right Time.

A couple weeks ago I met with a new customer for the first time. I walked into his office, shook his hand and we introduced ourselves.  Moments into our introduction, he found out his wife fell while on a work trip and was being rushed to the hospital.  

Concern filled his eyes… 

Over the next 20 minutes updates pinged into his phone and he gained more clarity on his wife’s condition in the ER hours away. HIs wife had fallen, broken her ankle and potentially needed surgery…

He started to reach out to family, seeking a ride to get to the hospital to support his wife and eventually drive her vehicle back home. I offered to give the customer a ride. 

It wasn’t a big or grand gesture - I was going to be headed back home in that general direction anyhow and wanted to do something to help.

On the drive, he opened up - About his wife, their life and his work. 

As I dropped him off at the Mayo Clinic Emergency Room entrance in Rochester, it struck me: we rarely know what someone else is carrying or going through.

This reminded me of three important things:

• We’re all walking through something - seen or unseen... Be understanding.

• Empathy isn’t loud - it’s often quiet, timely, and practical… Be open to help.

• Being present for others doesn’t require much - just an authentic willingness... Be in the moment.

If you’re reading this, maybe it’s a nudge or reminder for you too: to check in, offer help, or simply be more understanding or aware of what others might be walking through. You never know when your presence in a moment might be the thing someone needs most.

-Bradie