I have always wanted to thank a stranger.
I don’t know his name.
I don’t know what he looks like anymore.
But I remember what he did.
Seven years ago, I was in Taipei with some distributors from Waters Philippines. During some free time, I decided to go down a hilly area of Daxi Flower Oasis Farm ahead of the group.
For reasons I can no longer explain, except perhaps temporary stupidity, I decided to run downhill. I felt like a kid again. Until I fell.
I tumbled down the hill and apparently lost consciousness for a short while. When I woke up, there was no one around. I was scared.
But I was also grateful that I was conscious, could move, and seemed to be okay.
I eventually made my way to the nearest street and asked someone where I could find a clinic. I was examined and told I was okay.
So I continued with the day.
Our group eventually went to Ximending. While they were shopping, I had some free time.
I decided to watch a movie. Yes, a movie. Looking back, that probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do after tumbling down a hill.
After the movie, however, my leg had become badly swollen. I needed a hospital. I asked someone nearby where the nearest one was.
That’s when I met him. He spoke English. He asked me what happened.
Then, instead of simply pointing me toward a hospital, he helped me get a taxi. And he came with me.
When we arrived, the first hospital had too many patients. At that point, he could have said, “Sorry, I have to go.”
After all, I was a stranger.
Instead, he helped me get another taxi.
And he accompanied me to a second hospital. He stayed until I was finally being treated. Then he left.
I never got his name.
I never got to properly thank him.
I’ve wondered about that many times.
Who was he? Where was he going that day? What did he have planned before he encountered an injured stranger from the Philippines?
I will probably never know. But I do know something. He gave me his time. He could have simply told me where the hospital was. Instead, he made sure I got there.
He didn’t know me. He didn’t owe me anything. And he had no reason to take responsibility for me. Yet he did.
I’ve traveled to many places and met many people. I remember landmarks, restaurants, hotels and experiences.
But sometimes what stays with us isn’t what we see. It’s what someone does for us when we need help.
That is one reason I have always had a soft spot for Taipei and its people. I’ve often thought that I should somehow find this man and thank him.
But I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I don’t know his name, where he lived, or anything else that could lead me to him.
So perhaps this is the only way I can say it.
I don’t know if you will ever read this.
I don’t even know if you remember me.
But I remember you.
Thank you for your time. Thank you for not simply pointing the way. Thank you for making sure a stranger was okay.
And wherever you are, I hope someone has been as kind to you as you were to me.
Thank you, wherever you are.