A Past Incident
By theSids
@thesids (22180)
Bhubaneswar, India
May 4, 2016 3:30am CST
Hello
So yesterday wifey asked me to get some stuff from the mall at the other side of the road. As I was on my way, I saw a guy stopping a biker and then the biker driving away. (that is nothing special, right? but... read on please).
As I approached the pedestrian, he was holding a stick that normally the blind people hold. As I neared him, he asked - can you please help me to my destination (which was the blind school at the other end of the town). I said, i dont have a vehicle but I can surely help you to a cab and ensure that you reach safe. He held my hand and I helped him cross the road, also stopped an Auto (for those who dont know, it is a three wheeler mode of commuting here at my place, some places in the world, it is also called a TuckTuck... pretty name
).
I asked the driver to drop this man at the blind school, noted down the auto's number and also gave the drive my number telling him to call back once he reached the destination. And I also paid the fare.
As I reached the mall, I could see this biker there. I went up to him and asked what happened at the road a few moments ago. The biker's response made me feel really sad and upset. Here is what he told -
Some months back, a similar incident had happened. There was a blind man who had asked him to drop him at the blind school. On the way, the blind man asked him to stop, and then took out a knife, and robbed him all his money. And it was then, that he realized that the blind man was in fact not a blind man. Since then, he vowed never to help anyone on the roads.
I was shocked hearing this. As I finished the purchasing and was in the Queue to pay, my phone rang. It was the auto driver. I could feel a scare and thoughts like, Oh my God, is the auto driver all safe? came to my mind.
But nothing of that sort happened. The driver told me, he had dropped the blind man on his destination and handed over the phone to the man. The man blessed me and he was so thankful - he said, it was quite late, and without my help, he might never have made it. He also thanked me for paying the driver in advance.
as we spoke on the phone, I saw the biker again in another queue. I smiled looking at him and disconnected the call. as we moved out, I told him that the person who asked you for help this evening was not any thug, he was a genuine person.
It is really sad that today, many people fake the differently abled persons and commit crimes and never think about the consequences that in the long run, the one they hurt, may never stand up to help the genuine cases.
Now for the discussion - would you have still helped in case you had been cheated or robbed like the biker? I would.
And have you ever been into such a situation?
Cheers,
Sid.
So yesterday wifey asked me to get some stuff from the mall at the other side of the road. As I was on my way, I saw a guy stopping a biker and then the biker driving away. (that is nothing special, right? but... read on please).
As I approached the pedestrian, he was holding a stick that normally the blind people hold. As I neared him, he asked - can you please help me to my destination (which was the blind school at the other end of the town). I said, i dont have a vehicle but I can surely help you to a cab and ensure that you reach safe. He held my hand and I helped him cross the road, also stopped an Auto (for those who dont know, it is a three wheeler mode of commuting here at my place, some places in the world, it is also called a TuckTuck... pretty name).
I asked the driver to drop this man at the blind school, noted down the auto's number and also gave the drive my number telling him to call back once he reached the destination. And I also paid the fare.
As I reached the mall, I could see this biker there. I went up to him and asked what happened at the road a few moments ago. The biker's response made me feel really sad and upset. Here is what he told -
Some months back, a similar incident had happened. There was a blind man who had asked him to drop him at the blind school. On the way, the blind man asked him to stop, and then took out a knife, and robbed him all his money. And it was then, that he realized that the blind man was in fact not a blind man. Since then, he vowed never to help anyone on the roads.
I was shocked hearing this. As I finished the purchasing and was in the Queue to pay, my phone rang. It was the auto driver. I could feel a scare and thoughts like, Oh my God, is the auto driver all safe? came to my mind.
But nothing of that sort happened. The driver told me, he had dropped the blind man on his destination and handed over the phone to the man. The man blessed me and he was so thankful - he said, it was quite late, and without my help, he might never have made it. He also thanked me for paying the driver in advance.
as we spoke on the phone, I saw the biker again in another queue. I smiled looking at him and disconnected the call. as we moved out, I told him that the person who asked you for help this evening was not any thug, he was a genuine person.
It is really sad that today, many people fake the differently abled persons and commit crimes and never think about the consequences that in the long run, the one they hurt, may never stand up to help the genuine cases.
Now for the discussion - would you have still helped in case you had been cheated or robbed like the biker? I would.
And have you ever been into such a situation?
Cheers,
Sid.21 people like this
23 responses
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
4 May 16
now you will because you became aware of this incident
3 people like this
@jndlponti (2402)
• Philippines
4 May 16
Quite long to read..lol
I felt the biker..I had experience that same thing he did..but not as a blind man but an old man who ask for some amount just to be his fare to his town.but then as I opened my purse I was robbed.
That is why I never did talk to any strangers anymore. I pity the real once there who I could have help.but I am scared of losing my own life for that since I still have two small kids to at home.
3 people like this
@jndlponti (2402)
• Philippines
4 May 16
@thesids yes it is true.. others may suffer for the consequence of their actions..
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 May 16
Yea, I know, it is long. But when you dont post regularly there are times when you stretch it longer.
I quite understand you. Having kids back home or even a family, it can be scary. I feel sad that such people do not think about what effects their actions can have.
2 people like this
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
4 May 16
i've also seen women with kids doing that same act, but i didn't know there are people that do that and take your money too.
2 people like this
@Sreekala (34312)
• India
4 May 16
Dear Sidhu
,
Thank God the person didn't made any harm to you and the auto driver.
I can't blame the biker either, he learned lessons from his own experience. 
It is natural for any one, once experienced a bitter incident then do not stop for the real needy. Only situation forced him to behave like that.
,
Thank God the person didn't made any harm to you and the auto driver.
I can't blame the biker either, he learned lessons from his own experience. It is natural for any one, once experienced a bitter incident then do not stop for the real needy. Only situation forced him to behave like that.3 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 May 16
If I had not met the biker at the Mall and not have asked him "Why", I would not have bothered much But for a second, I did feel scared about the safety of the auto driver when he called up. And that scare came in just because of the fact that the biker told me his story.
3 people like this
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
4 May 16
that's awful. i'm glad he didn't hurt you.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
4 May 16
the biker's reaction was understandable and i'm glad you were able to update him on what happened to the blind man. the auto driver was also a good person.
the tuktuk would be similar to the tricycle here.
3 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 May 16
Yes, I recall discussions from @SIMPLYD wherein she posted some pic of the tricycle.
Thankfully, I could help. I have always tried to. I dont think I would change that even if I was robbed by an imposter. helping people comes to me naturally, and I believe that if I have not hurt anyone, I have my Guiding Angel to protect me
3 people like this
@rina110383 (24492)
•
4 May 16
Would you have still helped in case you had been cheated or robbed like the biker?
Yes, I would still help the man notwithstanding the fact that I was cheated in the past. Besides, if he is a robber and armed with a knife, I'll bring out my big scissors and my umbrella. I always bring big scissors & umbrella when going to work. It would be a duel and that would excite me.
And have you ever been into such a situation?
The closest I can think of was during my college years. For my thesis, I had 2 groupmates who were blind. No group would like to take them. I had my thesis alone. I asked them if they want to be with me. They said "yes." I always assist them during & after our class. They live in a dormitory inside the school campus. I make sure they get to their dorm safe. Every time we meet for brain storming, I always visit them in their dorm and record our discussions so that they have something to listen to. To cut the story short, we got a high grade for our Thesis and passed the Oral Defense.
And have you ever been into such a situation?
The closest I can think of was during my college years. For my thesis, I had 2 groupmates who were blind. No group would like to take them. I had my thesis alone. I asked them if they want to be with me. They said "yes." I always assist them during & after our class. They live in a dormitory inside the school campus. I make sure they get to their dorm safe. Every time we meet for brain storming, I always visit them in their dorm and record our discussions so that they have something to listen to. To cut the story short, we got a high grade for our Thesis and passed the Oral Defense.2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 May 16
Loved reading your response and somehow that makes me pretty sure, of why I have been calling you my sister. We seem to have many things in common. Though I do not carry any scissors or umbrella, still I would help again.
I am glad you did select the 2 group mates who were blind. Not many have a heart to do that specially for things like Thesis. kudos to you and really your response made my day here
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160883)
• United States
9 May 16
I have been cheated, robbed and other wise taken advantage of. Not in the overt manner you describe, but still it hurts my trust. I was discussing this with a pastor once, a particular situation and the pastor reminded me that this often happened to Jesus. We are only responsible for our own actions and responses, not for the person who may be cheating us or taking advantage. I will say that it is still more of a blessing to give than to be one who needs to receive. The person I was discussing about had a change of heart and lifestyle as she became older. She never apologized for the cheating, but she did give me great praise and honor in other ways.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
9 May 16
I completely agree with what the Pastor said - We are only responsible for our own actions and responses, not for the person who may be cheating us or taking advantage. - This is what prompts me to keep helping in the way I can. I know, it is not a safe world anymore and anything bad can happen, but then, it is not me to judge or even think about the bad. If the Lord wants me to get into something messy, I am sure, it happens for some reason, best known to Him.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 16
Hello Ms Tickle
Yes, my Australian boss to told this when he was in India before I fell ill. Sadly, here, our government does have some schemes for them but the end result is almost no good. I mean, if I think about it, this particular guy was from the dorm of the Blind school, as such, his transportation (which was due to some medical needs) should have been arranged for by the school. It was dark hours (late evening) and anything ugly could have happened to him when he was all alone in another end of the city.
Yes, my Australian boss to told this when he was in India before I fell ill. Sadly, here, our government does have some schemes for them but the end result is almost no good. I mean, if I think about it, this particular guy was from the dorm of the Blind school, as such, his transportation (which was due to some medical needs) should have been arranged for by the school. It was dark hours (late evening) and anything ugly could have happened to him when he was all alone in another end of the city.1 person likes this
@much2say (55905)
• Los Angeles, California
5 May 16
First of all, that was very kind of you to help that blind man - you are such a helpful soul!
It's those few bad ones that ruin it for the ones that truly need the help. 
Sometimes the real ones cannot be differentiated from the fake ones. With all the horror stories about scam artists and even those who will cause harm (these things do happen too often out here), we do tend to be cautious. Very cautious at times.
Would I help? It would depend on the situation. I would help the blind person to find the means to get to their destination as you did, but I would never put a complete stranger in my own vehicle.
Once when I went walking in the morning, an very elderly woman who was walking towards me grabbed me and locked elbows to make me walk with her. I believe she was Vietnamese and did not speak any English - but she must have trusted me as I am Asian as well. She did not ask me . . . she just expected me to do this for her as she was elderly. Anyhow, I got that she had to go see the dentist a couple blocks up the street . . . so I took her across the very busy street (no lights and crazy traffic) - we had to go super slow due to her limping. I think it took a good 45 minutes to finally get there . . . and I had an appointment elsewhere that I needed to get to - but I helped this woman anyway - without any fear that she would do something bad to me. I guess I was lucky that time.
(But turns out she had the wrong appointment date 
. . . and I remember she did not even thank me for helping her - but the receptionists at the dentist's office heard the story from me and were astonished that a stranger helped to get her there).
It's those few bad ones that ruin it for the ones that truly need the help. Sometimes the real ones cannot be differentiated from the fake ones. With all the horror stories about scam artists and even those who will cause harm (these things do happen too often out here), we do tend to be cautious. Very cautious at times.
Would I help? It would depend on the situation. I would help the blind person to find the means to get to their destination as you did, but I would never put a complete stranger in my own vehicle.
Once when I went walking in the morning, an very elderly woman who was walking towards me grabbed me and locked elbows to make me walk with her. I believe she was Vietnamese and did not speak any English - but she must have trusted me as I am Asian as well. She did not ask me . . . she just expected me to do this for her as she was elderly. Anyhow, I got that she had to go see the dentist a couple blocks up the street . . . so I took her across the very busy street (no lights and crazy traffic) - we had to go super slow due to her limping. I think it took a good 45 minutes to finally get there . . . and I had an appointment elsewhere that I needed to get to - but I helped this woman anyway - without any fear that she would do something bad to me. I guess I was lucky that time.
(But turns out she had the wrong appointment date . . . and I remember she did not even thank me for helping her - but the receptionists at the dentist's office heard the story from me and were astonished that a stranger helped to get her there).1 person likes this
@much2say (55905)
• Los Angeles, California
5 May 16
@thesids No, I have never met this lady before. I think she thought I was obligated to help her - which is the way with some cultures. I would have helped her if she had actually asked - but obviously she could not communicate well.
At the time, we were living at the apartments, and I happened to decide on that particular day that I would walk to a different neighborhood. I was walking one way, and this elderly woman coming towards me just grabbed me to walk the direction she was going. I could not believe this happened on a day I chose to do something new.
We actually crossed the street illegally (no cross walk there as it is in the middle of the street . . . technically we are suppose to walk all the way to the light and then cross - but that would take a whole lot longer as it was a bit of a walk - especially since she was elderly and limping). But a lot of folks who live in that particular spot make this illegal street crossing to get to this shopping center to cut on time. Yes, we stopped cars! 
The reason why I was anxious to hurry up and finish with this lady - I had to run back to my apartment and drive to get to MY appointment on time. This appointment would confirm that I was indeed pregnant with our first child .
The reason why I was anxious to hurry up and finish with this lady - I had to run back to my apartment and drive to get to MY appointment on time. This appointment would confirm that I was indeed pregnant with our first child .
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 16
@much2say Oh my... that was a bigger risk that you took.... going over the wrong way and also at the time when you were pregnant. though a thing of the past now, but still, I might have that big a heart to do it at that point of my life.
*Feeling blessed to have you as a friend
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 16
Sometimes the real ones cannot be differentiated from the fake ones. Exactly, this is what makes things quite bad and unhealthy. As many put it here, they simply may not offer help just because they had a bad experience an earlier time.
The elderly lady you helped, did you two meet another time? Just curious.
I am a little surprised when I read - very busy street (no lights - I mean, no lights on roads is quite a common scene here in India, and many are used to it. But even at the US? Maybe it was the Highway.
You are a good soul dear much2say.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72517)
• Philippines
4 May 16
Very similar to the boy who cried wolf who never got the trust of the people' again because he lied. And I feel sorry for that biker because he was a victim of that boy. how are we going to fix this world if we try to fool each other?
I don't know if i would help again. it's different when you have been a victim of something. The experience can be so traumatic it's difficult to trust people again.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 May 16
Quite very true. Our actions will always depend on how bad we were affected by the experience. Personally, I wished these culprits never abused the pureness and the sincerity of these differently abled persons. They should have spared them at least.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72517)
• Philippines
4 May 16
@thesids People like that don't think about others at all. They just try to take advantage of everybody. Such greed won't get them anywhere. The only sad thing is the consequences don't only affect them but everybody in the process.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
4 May 16
I would have tried to find a way to help, but not taken them myself, because like that biker, I have heard too many scary stories. Like I wont pick someone up, but call and pay for a cab? Sure.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 May 16
@Jessicalynnt I have heard about the cops being a real good help in such cases abroad, but havent experienced it though. And here at my place, calling cops can be more of trouble on my part. A few years back when there was a theft here at my place, and I had been to them to lodge an FIR, they asked me to wait for more hours and I returned without filing one. Though things are improving no doubt, but still calling up cops, I feel reluctant
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 May 16
I understand. after our experience with the ugly things, our thoughts too can change. So I do understand that you may not be going out of your way to give him a drive. but definitely, a cab if can be arranged, I think you are still up for the noble cause.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
7 May 16
I am happy about the fact that the world has still some good people who think to help. I believe the good and bad have always existed together, just a matter of concern, the bad are the ones that are increasing in number. Hope that it will turn back to good more in number someday.
1 person likes this
@gochunehal (782)
•
4 May 16
If i got robbed this way then i will never help like you...so hat's of to you..
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 May 16
I understand you. I have never been robbed by such an imposter. So yes, I might know what and how would I react after that. But because I have always have a helping nature, I am quite sure, I will still help. I know, my Lord is overseeing all I do, and It will take care of me as always.
1 person likes this
@hora_fugit (5862)
• India
4 May 16
My honest reply is I don't know. Even now I don't feel very helpful and when such incident happens with me, it would take time for me to get over that. Or, could even be a life changer and I start helping people more generously.
Reading all such stories has made me real suspicious of just about anyone. Bad influence.
Weeks ago, a man asked me to dial a number as someone he had lent money to was not answering his calls and he wanted to "try from a new number"... I declined. Couldn't quite predict what was in store... if some fight ensues...
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 May 16
Sometimes it is good to be suspicious and be safer. I am not sure how this story of the biker will affect me in the immediate future, I know in the long run, I will forget all about it.
But yes, I do think you did a wise thing by not allowing the man to call from your cell phone. In today's scenario, phone calls via handsets can mean trouble, I will not risk that, unless I know the person who is calling.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
4 May 16
I have never had that happen but was often giving money to beggars and found out a couple of them were living richer then I or spending on drink. but I still help when I have it as my middle son said to me years ago, he helps and knows he did the right thing. if they choose to abuse kindness that is not on him. it is their burden.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
6 May 16
What a kind person you are.
I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt and would help if I possibly could. It's difficult to tell if someone is genuinely disabled.
The worst thing about the incident that the biker described is that it will make people think twice about offering their help.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
6 May 16
I have always been that way. I trust people quite very easily. that is a plus as well as a big negative point (considering how the present society is). Probably, I have not yet been able to come out of the simple life it was a few decades back.
About the people thinking twice, well, on this discussion itself, I have found that some have been so badly hurt, they say will not take any chances. I do not hold anything against them, because definitely, the incident must have been real bad for anyone to say so.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
5 May 16
i'm so glad that'cha helped that fella out, hon. i'd done the same. yepperz, 'tis most pitiful the depths some'll go to pilfer'n plunder the goods'f others :( shame they don't develop a scarlet letter 'pon their foreheads that glows 'n flashes, aint't? big hugs 'n give that sweet babe a hug, too :)
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
5 May 16
Personally I have always believed that you must be special because the Lord chose you, made you capable enough to help someone in the hours of need. This is one of the reasons I have always tried helping.
I admit, unless I have had the bitter experience, it is difficult to make a statement but I know, I will still try helping.
And definitely those who abuse and fake such people (imposters), they hopefully do realize their folly sometime or the other.
1 person likes this
