Help from Out of the Blue
- Pathways of Possibility
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
Teresa Sullivan recollects spending a lovely summer day in Paris that took a decidedly unexpected turn—and led to a most memorable encounter.
One summer while staying with a family friend in Paris, I paid a visit to Montmartre. The day was sunny and warm. It was a perfect day for having a portrait done, eating ice cream, meeting people and buying a painting. Being a young twenty-something, I got caught up in the day without thinking much about the future.
When it turned dark, returning home seemed best. But, my metro card had expired. Not speaking French or having the phone number of my host, or any cash, walking home was my only option. The challenge was not knowing how far away that was or how to get there. Without much of a plan, I found myself standing in front of a metro wall map hoping to locate myself.
My purse was over my shoulder but had slipped a bit so that it was laying open. As I studied the map, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around, and there stood a 5’ 3” woman with bright orange hair, bobble earrings, a floral dress, and a warm smile. She spoke to me in French. I said in English, “I do not speak French.” So, she pointed to my purse and using hand signals, advised me to be more careful and keep my purse closed.
Realizing she was trying to help, I held up my ticket and gestured that it no longer worked. She understood, looked around, put her arm around my shoulder and guided me to the turnstiles. She pulled me through with her, and it was a tight squeeze in that she was a bit plump. When we got to the other side, she kissed me on each cheek, smiled and shuffled away.
It was such a rich moment. What can you say when someone comes along with exactly what you need at the exact time that you need it and with such warmth? She had such a maternal way. She made me feel looked after. She did it without a second thought. It was so natural, so warm, so sweet and so needed.
She was a lady through and through. And she came from out of the blue. She helped where she saw help was needed.
Moments like these are ones to learn from, live by and pay forward.
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