How a stranger's kind gesture 'saved a mother's life'
A selfless act for a distressed stranger has moved many to tears after a woman told of offering a hug that “saved the life” of a mother who was crying in her vehicle.
After parking her car for a meeting, Wanda Rowan said she couldn’t find the pay station, so she called out to a stranger on the street who was about to get in her own car.
“She pointed the station out to me when I noticed she had been crying. I asked her if she was ok. No,” Ms Rowan wrote on a community Facebook group Wednesday evening.
“I asked her if she needed a hug. Initially she was hesitant, then said yes”
The Good Samaritan said the hug lasted about 30-40 seconds, then the upset woman took a deep breath.
Ms Rowan gave the woman her business card, offering her phone number if she needed someone to talk to.
An hour later, she received a text message from a woman called Ana.
Ana said she was the sister of the woman Ms Rowan had comforted in the street.
She thanked her for the kind act towards her sister, whose name was Bianca.
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“I just wanted to let you know that you saved a life today,” the sister wrote.
“I had spoken to her just before she met you, and she was planning to take her life. I [live] an hour away, so I was rushing to her, because when she said she’s going to do something she does it.”
Ana went on to thank Ms Rowan for taking the time to comfort her sister who was desperately wishing for “a sign” to stay alive, seconds before she heard the woman’s voice.
“This beautiful, kind gesture has saved the life of my sister who has a beautiful little boy,” Ana wrote.
“Because of you my baby sister is still alive. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Bianca thanks you too.”
Ms Rowan shared a screenshot of the heartfelt message to Facebook, in the hope it might inspire others to “take note of what is going on around us”.
She said she wasn’t looking for praise, she just hoped the story might help others to remember “a small act of kindness can make a world of difference to someone.”
While she didn’t ask for gratitude, it came in droves. Minutes after sharing the touching story, dozens commended the woman for her kindness.
“This made me cry - how gorgeous xx,” one wrote.
Another agreed: “Omg I’m in tears how lovely of you. Many people don’t notice what’s going on around them.”
A third, who also said the post made her cry, pointed out that Ms Rowan had initially asked for help that day, but ended up helping someone else.
“We all get so caught up in our own lives that we often forget to look around. You have done a wonderful, wonderful thing Wanda,” another moved person commented.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, find help by visiting White Ribbon or calling 1800 RESPECT.
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