Helping Others

The Importance of Helping and Being Grateful

Apr 20, 2024

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it to anyone else.”
~ Charles Dickens

In the hustle and bustle of life, we sometimes encounter obstacles that leave us pondering the value of solidarity and gratitude. Recently, I had an experience that led me to understand this in a deeper way. It all started with a simple bike ride through the mountains, but soon turned into a day of obstacles and life lessons.

The “perfect” plan

As a nature and sports enthusiast, I enjoy biking through the countryside. I never miss my appointment with nature, whether alone or with friends, through forests, beaches, and fields. The last time I went out, and for a few days already, I noticed a slight movement in the right pedal of the bike. However, I didn’t give it much importance, tightened the screw, and that was it. This black piece that connects the pedal is precisely what I’m talking about.

I had confidence that tightening the screw was enough, so this Saturday I went out to the countryside with my older brother; it was going to be a great day. The plan was to visit the ruins of an ancient castle that sits atop a hill with privileged views. To get there, we took a mountain trail. We left in the morning and planned to return by noon. We brought the usual supplies: food, water, and some tools.

The incident

Halfway through the journey, when we had to pedal hard to climb hills, the pedal began to shake. When we got off the bikes and grabbed a wrench to tighten the screw, we found that it was already tightly secured. It was a problem of wear and tear, not the screw itself. The metal of the piece had worn down from repeated use and couldn’t hold its position anymore. Pedaling was impossible, it was on the verge of breaking, and we were at least 2 hours away from home on foot. Now what do we do?

The surprise

With few tools and no clear solution, we decided to coast downhill until we reached a nearby village several kilometers from home, nestled at the foot of the mountain we were climbing. We knew the area and with Google Maps, we easily found bike shops.

We went to the closest shop and explained what was happening. They told me they wouldn’t help without money, no favors. After receiving this response, we thought about walking back, but before leaving, we stopped by another shop.

The second shop was run by an elderly gentleman. I told him what had happened, and he asked me to wait for a moment. He went to the back of the shop and soon returned saying, “Young man, today is your lucky day.” The kind man gave me a crank arm from an old bike they had disassembled. He mentioned it was second-hand, very dirty, and a different model, but it would do the job.

We disassembled my part and installed the one he had given me. I thanked him profusely for his generous gesture and said, “Sir, you may not have made money from this, but I assure you, you’ve gained a customer.” His altruistic act deeply touched me.

With the bike repaired, I set off on my way back with my brother. During the journey, we couldn’t stop talking about that man. I owed him one.

Paying It Forward

This Monday afternoon, I took the opportunity to buy a new crank arm of the same type and remove the one the gentleman had given me. Guess which shop I went to? That’s right, the one owned by the gentleman. I rode about 10 kilometers on my bike specifically to buy him the part.

I asked him if he remembered me; I wasn’t sure, but as soon as I reminded him of who I was and what had happened, he smiled. “I told you I gained a customer,” he said.

The Lesson

In life, unexpected events, problems, and challenges always arise. It’s comforting to know that there are always people willing to lend a hand and help you out. We have to help others when we can because those who are grateful will help us when we’re in trouble. Today for me, tomorrow for you.

Now it’s your turn, have you had a similar experience? Did you pay it forward?

📚 References

Dickens, Charles (1989). Our Mutual Friend. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978–0192817952.