On a train the last 24 hours and have witnessed the most beautiful display of empathy and support. A man on our train is clearly afflicted with addiction issues. He’s STRUGGLING with not being allowed to have a cigarette and he’s been preemptively banned from purchasing alcohol on the train.
Another passenger - who said he is in recovery - has taken this man under his wing. He’s making sure he eats, gets to the right bathroom (the ones in our car are not working), and he escorts him in and off the train for cigarette breaks when we have long enough stops.
When our journey started, other passengers were complaining about the first man - who was loud, confused, restless, and again - struggling with facing a 48 hour train ride without his usual routines and substances (no judgement here, addiction is a bitch)
Now passengers are offering to pay for meals, providing sodas and water, and have stopped the quiet complaints. All because one man stepped up and showed a bit of grace.
Amazing. Thanks for sharing.