An Unexpected Twist

While real estate and loan signings keep me plenty busy, I also drive for Uber and Lyft when time permits. Lately there has been a surge of demand, and a shortage of drivers and driving has been unusually profitable.

I’ve meet plenty of interesting people and had countless interesting conversations during my time driving, but tonight I experienced something new and unexpected.

My last ride for the night happened to be a nice young woman who was experiencing extreme pain in her leg. When I pulled up to her house I noticed she was hobbling on one foot, obviously in a great deal of pain.

Our trip included a stop at her mother’s house to drop off her young son on the way to the emergency room. Her young son kept asking her questions about her foot, showing great concern for her comfort and well being.

As we drove it was clear how much pain she was in, at one point she was brought to tears. At one point I struck up a conversation with her hoping to distract her from the pain. It worked, a little (I think).

I drove as quickly (and smoothly) as possible and soon we reached the emergency room. I ran in and found her a wheel chair and the security guard and I got her into the building.

I wished her luck and left.

My rider didn’t have a car, and taking a bus to the emergency room wasn’t practical. Nor was getting her young son to gramma’s house.

So Uber was a logical choice.

Although it was a completely random experience, it was a pleasure to be able to help this woman in a small way. I hope I provided her a little comfort during her ride, and I’m glad she was able to get attention for her problem promptly.

Hopefully her problem is minor and she will be back home in time to put her son to sleep tonight. For my part, it just felt good to be able to help someone in a very small way, something I had not anticipated when the day began.