The Kindness of Strangers

I'm writing this with a bandage covered hand and some rather bruised legs, and scratched arms,  but with a large smile on my face. 

Today I was reminded of how many wonderful, kind people there are out there who will help a complete stranger without a second thought.

I went for a bike ride with my sister today along the Fox River Trail because today is the kind of day that screams at you to go outside. I've been biking that trail for the last couple years, all the way from Hudson Crossing into downtown Aurora and criss-crossing over the Virgil Gilman. It's a fantastic trail if you haven't tried it out.

While I was biking down by South Island (just past the dam along Route 25), I lost control of my bike and wiped out in the mud. It sounds just as disgusting as it was.

I cut my hand up really badly trying to brace myself and my legs and arms got scratched and bruised as I skidded along the muddy gravel. 

My sister rode back up the trail to the dam where there were plenty of people fishing to see if anyone had any band-aids or wipes we could use. No one had anything of the sort, but a sweet little old lady gave me a plastic glove that I tied around my hand to try to stem the bleeding so I could get back on the bike.

We came across a family a little farther down, loading up their own bikes after a day of riding. I asked again about any band-aids of the sort, and they were able to provide some wipes to at clean out the injury a bit and to press against it.

The couple asked if I had any money as there was a gas station a couple miles down the road (the Marathon at Boulder Hill Pass) and I said I did not.

They then gave me several dollars to purchase band-aids, and insisted I take it. I was absolutely touched. 

We biked to the gas station and I ran into buy band-aids. The gas station employees loaned me some rubbing alcohol to pour on some of the worst cuts (hurts just as much as I remember as a kid!) and then after applying band-aids I was back out and heading home.

I'm going to be sore for several days (although as you can see my fingers are all intact and functioning!) and learning how to be a faux-lefty, but I am extremely grateful the accident didn't involve any broken bones or anything worse.

I am so grateful to everyone who helped me out and I hope I can pass along that selfless kindness. 

For starters, I've got a box of band-aids now for my bike so if you're on the trails and wipe out too, I've got a bandage with your name on it. And mine. 

Thank you all so much!