So That Happened

<p>A little kindness goes a long way.</p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/pronounced_ing">Celeste Ng</a>, author of the best selling book <a href="https://www.celesteng.com/little-fires-everywhere/"><em>Little Fires Everywhere</em></a>, was driving to her gym in Cambridge, Massachusetts when she spotted an elderly lady sitting on the sidewalk in the cold:</p><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On the way to the gym today, I drove past an elderly lady sitting on the sidewalk. It&#39;s 40 today and it seemed like a weird place to sit. I told myself she was probably fine, but I also felt uneasy. So I went back.</p>&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) <a href="https://twitter.com/pronounced_ing/status/981182704099168257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div><p>Instead of brushing off the strange sight, Ng stopped to check on the woman. And it&#39;s a good thing she did...</p><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I drove around the block and came back and asked if she was okay. She told me she had gone for a walk and realized, too late, she couldn&#39;t walk that far. She&#39;d sat down to rest and then couldn&#39;t stand up on her own again.</p>&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) <a href="https://twitter.com/pronounced_ing/status/981182887692263424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I helped her to her feet and then I got her into my car and drove her back to where she lived. (A senior center, about 3 blocks away.)</p>&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) <a href="https://twitter.com/pronounced_ing/status/981183063605563392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div><p>Wait, she writes books, helps the elderly <em>and </em>goes to the gym? Dang, Celeste!</p><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I had to put her cane in the back. I said &quot;I promise I&#39;ll give it back to you!&quot; She said, &quot;Well, I trust you, and plus I&#39;m not going anywhere without it!&quot;</p>&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) <a href="https://twitter.com/pronounced_ing/status/981183191326355456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div><p>After Ng brought the woman home (and returned her cane), she reflected on the experience on Twitter:</p><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I am so glad I came back to check, and didn&#39;t just assume she was fine.</p>&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) <a href="https://twitter.com/pronounced_ing/status/981183248343724034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I guess the moral of the story is: If you&#39;re able, always take a minute and check if someone needs help.</p>&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) <a href="https://twitter.com/pronounced_ing/status/981183360100904961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Also, this is 2 days in a row that I have assisted an elderly lady in Cambridge. Seniors of Cambridge: I am at your service!</p>&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) <a href="https://twitter.com/pronounced_ing/status/981183460076290053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On further reflection: this is reminding me of the discussion many people had soon after the 2016 election, about not being a bystander when someone needs help. Just asking “Are you okay?” when something seems wrong is a good place to start.</p>&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) <a href="https://twitter.com/pronounced_ing/status/981210337323208705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div><h2>Twitter was so appreciative of Ng&#39;s kind gesture:</h2><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you for stepping out and checking on this lady. In my 51 years, I’ve learned to listen to my gut, when I’m being led to reach out to someone. Ive regretted when I didn’t, but never when I did. Our society needs more people acting in their vulnerability.</p>&mdash; MCTidwell 🇺🇸🌊 (@MelissaChristyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelissaChristyn/status/981245096229244928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you for listening to your gut. I often worry about doing that and feeling silly if I’m wrong. But this story demonstrates that’s its worth feeling embarrassed 99% of the time if you help someone like this even just once. ❤️</p>&mdash; Yvette Salvatico (@ymsalvatico) <a href="https://twitter.com/ymsalvatico/status/981183474286628865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div><oembed>https://twitter.com/lkoturner/status/981192959025496064</oembed><div className="ad-splitter"></div><h2>Some even shared their personal stories of similar things happening to family members:</h2><oembed>https://twitter.com/Popandsway/status/981187306492116993</oembed><div className="ad-splitter"></div><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you. My mom has been rescued by good people like you on more than one occasion.</p>&mdash; Jane Davidson (@MJD1956) <a href="https://twitter.com/MJD1956/status/981188942723653632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My nan was once in that lady’s position and no one stopped. I’d like to personally thank you for your kindness.</p>&mdash; annie ritter (@mizzbananie) <a href="https://twitter.com/mizzbananie/status/981394449266872321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div><h2>But Ng clarified that she didn&#39;t tweet her story for the praise...</h2><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Seriously though—I’m getting so much praise just for reaching out to check on a stranger in need. But that’s something many people do, and something we ALL should try to do. It should be the norm.</p>&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) <a href="https://twitter.com/pronounced_ing/status/981522711435448320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If the little story I related yesterday touched you—just and try to reach out next time you see someone who looks like they need help. If you can, ask “Are you okay?” If they say they’re fine, cool! If they ask for help, try and help.</p>&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) <a href="https://twitter.com/pronounced_ing/status/981522976561664000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div><h2>...but to reminder us look after each other and spread kindness.</h2><div class="oembedall-container sec-iframe sec-oembed-iframe"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That’s the only reason I wanted to share what happened yesterday—because sometimes we all just need reminders that a small bit of kindness can make a difference. ❤️</p>&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) <a href="https://twitter.com/pronounced_ing/status/981523124171788289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div className="ad-splitter"></div>

Writer's heart-wrenching story about helping a stranger is a reminder to look out for the elderly.

April Lavalle

A little kindness goes a long way.Celeste Ng, author of the best selling book Little Fires Everywhere, was driving to her gym in Cambridge, Massachusetts when she spotted an elderly lady sitting on the sidewalk in the cold:On the way to the gym today, I drove past an elderly lady sitting on the sidewalk. It&#39;s 40 today and it seemed like a weird place to sit. I told myself she was probably fine, but I also felt uneasy. So I went back.&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) April 3, 2018 Instead of brushing off the strange sight, Ng stopped to check on the woman. And it&#39;s a good thing she did...I drove around the block and came back and asked if she was okay. She told me she had gone for a walk and realized, too late, she couldn&#39;t walk that far. She&#39;d sat down to rest and then couldn&#39;t stand up on her own again.&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) April 3, 2018 I helped her to her feet and then I got her into my car and drove her back to where she lived. (A senior center, about 3 blocks away.)&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) April 3, 2018 Wait, she writes books, helps the elderly and goes to the gym? Dang, Celeste!I had to put her cane in the back. I said &quot;I promise I&#39;ll give it back to you!&quot; She said, &quot;Well, I trust you, and plus I&#39;m not going anywhere without it!&quot;&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) April 3, 2018 After Ng brought the woman home (and returned her cane), she reflected on the experience on Twitter:I am so glad I came back to check, and didn&#39;t just assume she was fine.&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) April 3, 2018 I guess the moral of the story is: If you&#39;re able, always take a minute and check if someone needs help.&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) April 3, 2018 Also, this is 2 days in a row that I have assisted an elderly lady in Cambridge. Seniors of Cambridge: I am at your service!&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) April 3, 2018 On further reflection: this is reminding me of the discussion many people had soon after the 2016 election, about not being a bystander when someone needs help. Just asking “Are you okay?” when something seems wrong is a good place to start.&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) April 3, 2018 Twitter was so appreciative of Ng&#39;s kind gesture:Thank you for stepping out and checking on this lady. In my 51 years, I’ve learned to listen to my gut, when I’m being led to reach out to someone. Ive regretted when I didn’t, but never when I did. Our society needs more people acting in their vulnerability.&mdash; MCTidwell 🇺🇸🌊 (@MelissaChristyn) April 3, 2018 Thank you for listening to your gut. I often worry about doing that and feeling silly if I’m wrong. But this story demonstrates that’s its worth feeling embarrassed 99% of the time if you help someone like this even just once. ❤️&mdash; Yvette Salvatico (@ymsalvatico) April 3, 2018 https://twitter.com/lkoturner/status/981192959025496064Some even shared their personal stories of similar things happening to family members:https://twitter.com/Popandsway/status/981187306492116993Thank you. My mom has been rescued by good people like you on more than one occasion.&mdash; Jane Davidson (@MJD1956) April 3, 2018 My nan was once in that lady’s position and no one stopped. I’d like to personally thank you for your kindness.&mdash; annie ritter (@mizzbananie) April 4, 2018 But Ng clarified that she didn&#39;t tweet her story for the praise...Seriously though—I’m getting so much praise just for reaching out to check on a stranger in need. But that’s something many people do, and something we ALL should try to do. It should be the norm.&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) April 4, 2018 If the little story I related yesterday touched you—just and try to reach out next time you see someone who looks like they need help. If you can, ask “Are you okay?” If they say they’re fine, cool! If they ask for help, try and help.&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) April 4, 2018 ...but to reminder us look after each other and spread kindness.That’s the only reason I wanted to share what happened yesterday—because sometimes we all just need reminders that a small bit of kindness can make a difference. ❤️&mdash; Celeste Ng (@pronounced_ing) April 4, 2018 

A little kindness goes a long way.  Celeste Ng, author of the best selling book Little Fires Everywhere, was driving to her gym in Cambridge, Massachusetts when she spotted an elderly lady sitting on the sidewalk in the cold:    Instead of...