Day 157: Life is beautiful.jpg
I cried on the way home from the tube tonight. Not through sadness - but tears of happiness and joy. I'd just witnessed and been part of something that makes you feel good about the human race. It was only little - a ting vignette in life. But it's those little things that warm the soul.
It's a simple story: 4 elderly folk clamber onto a busy tube train - standing room only. Shokingly, one of them has a breathing tube in his neck and is dragging a tank of oxygen with him. I couldn't beleive he was on the tube, let alone standing. I asked someone to give up their chair. She happily obliged. I helped him to his seat and got the next person to move so his wife could be by his side. And as they sat down - it was like a little bit of happiness engulfed the carriage. Suddenly people were smiling, and then conversation struck up (talking is not common on the Tube!) Two Greek guys started chatting to the couple, I joined in too, another girl just stood there grinning. We heard how the man (almost 86) had nearly died last year and how he's had the tube in his neck ever since. The wife (80) said he doesn't like to make a fuss, but she worries about him, and their lives are more challenging now that he's constantly attached to a canister of air. But what was truly wonderful was hearing how they hadn't given up - how they still continued to make the best of life and just adapt to their new cicumstances. They've been married 53 years and their love for each other shone through. And what was the most wonderful sight of all was seeing that she still had her arm round him.
I wandered home marvelling at the power of love and the warmth of human spirit.
This photo is about spreading the love! To Andrew in Darfur and to the rest of you out there whereever you may be.
Comments and faves
lah-di-dah (52 months ago | reply)
A very sweet story. I have also cried today but for different reasons - my tears were out of sadness and anger. What I have witnessed has only confirmed my belief that there is no justice in the world.
Susan & her 5d (52 months ago | reply)
Oh no. Why? What happened? That sounds bad x
Sarah Hall Photography (52 months ago | reply)
that's a great story! i LOVE this image...so much joy. Excellent DOF and b&w tones.
Sarah Hall Photography added this photo to her favorites. (52 months ago)
yo_ashnish (52 months ago | reply)
Ahhhhhhh, now theres some happiness! What a wonderful story, thank you so much for sharing it...really need some uplifting, happy shots and stories right now. Bless you.
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living_fresh (52 months ago | reply)
Wonderful, your smile and story! Lasting love is something to smile about.
Amy-Rose (52 months ago | reply)
that is a really sweet story. glimpses of what life could be :0)
MOVED TO PIXELENS FOLLOW ME THERE! [deleted] (52 months ago | reply)
Wow Susan, that is awesome...
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Susan & her 5d (52 months ago | reply)
absfwkhgfkwheg (52 months ago | reply)
Naw, that is quite sweet. I always think of striking up conversation in elevators when I am rarely on them but am always too chicken to do so. Never been on the tube myself.. oh what am I missing out on?!
Lahdidah, that makes me sad also, are you alright??
crustydolphin (52 months ago | reply)
Thats just lovely. I love seeing elderly couples still holding hands and being in love. Thanks for sharing x
Yellow Bear (52 months ago | reply)
I got choked up just reading your story! very sweet, I love it when you have an unexpected moment on the tube, seriously why can't people break that unspoken 'no talking, no comunication with strangers' rule down there?
I've taken up pulling a funny face at people on the tube just as the tube pulls away, (when i'm in london-used to live there but not any more) the reaction you get is great, people burst out laughing or at least smile, and the ones who didn't see me i can imagine wonder what the laughter is about.....just my little way of trying to break the underground ice!
Sorry went on a big story telling sesh myself then!
Lovely photo, very joyful indeed!
Food Fanatic (52 months ago | reply)
This is a fantastic narrative, Susan. And a great shot.
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M A R C O . (52 months ago | reply)
Great story Susan, sometime the goodness of a stranger is way more powerful than anything else, I enjoy reading anecdotes like this.
Cheers!
disco~stu (52 months ago | reply)
that is so cool! I'm so glad you shared this......I really hope me and my wife still have a similar bond when I get to that age.....andit's just awesome when strangers in situations like this get talking.
and the photo rocks! you have such a great smile!
...the truth is hidden... (52 months ago | reply)
the title is so true! great b&w!
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the brownhorse (52 months ago | reply)
what a touching story, really nice to hear, big hugs back at cha
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Geekgirly (52 months ago | reply)
I am so happy to hear that there are still people willing to give up their seats for people in need!! Something that I rarely see on our transit system here in Ottawa! Great story Susan! Made my day!
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saralonde (52 months ago | reply)
What a lovely story! A reaffirmation that life is good.
sarah the sunshine state (52 months ago | reply)
that is a beautiful little clip, i always like it when people break out of their shells beyond the ordinary. when gestures are shown to pass along kindness. when a sweet 80 year old couple talks about their struggles on the train to total strangers. i like little bits of life that poke out from the mundane. thanks for sharing that
Mrs Brownhorse / Baby Brownhorse (52 months ago | reply)
oh i have t tears in my eye's. they sound like an Amazing couple. Feeling the love through your shot.
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ktylerconk (52 months ago | reply)
What a wonderful story, beautifully told! Great photo of you too!
nicholas.odonnell (52 months ago | reply)
Wonderful story. And a fantastic self-portrait. Gee, you sure know how to light up a pic with that smile. :-}
Jah Lovely (52 months ago | reply)
Those moments are amazing..they reassure that there are good people with positive spirits still left in the world....
You are definitely one of them. I love this shot with all of my being!
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Luke Stearns (52 months ago | reply)
Beautiful, touching story. Very buoyant photo too, your face tells quite a story on it's own.
talal_ae added this photo to his favorites. (51 months ago)