When those two words come into play in the same story, and they have countless times over and over, as an author, I am intrigued by the individuals, whether real or imagined, who get caught up in it. I also know that it is simply a matter of degree, how far or how little they play out. In my Samantha Jamison mystery series human interaction is a constant. And so this timeless subject brings to mind a true story I’d like to share with you about how someone felt after a heartless and heartfelt scene played out in the Frankfurt train station of all places.
What was her story? Who was she waiting for? Why was she anxious?
As he approached the busy platform, but too far away to do anything, he watched helplessly as a young woman stood amid an enormous amount of luggage, eyes darting about, turning every few seconds, and then checking her watch nervously. That was when he saw another scene playing out to his shock that involved her. Some young men were slowly encompassing this young, unsuspecting woman in an arc and closing in on her very slowly, while they looked around to see if anyone was watching them and what they were about to do. The man held his breath as he picked up his pace. He had to do something before it was too late. He started calling and waving to her while he made sure his children were still safely by his side.
She whipped around at her name, and an enormous smile appeared on her face as her husband and three young boys came running up to her. The little boys wrapped their arms around their mother’s legs as their father hugged his wife and whispered something into her ear. She immediately glanced around them nervously. He had relayed what was about to happen. He squeezed her hand, reassuring her they were safe and together. He kept hugging her, and then reluctantly let her go. Smiling so as not to alarm their children at the near catastrophe, they grabbed their luggage as their train gave the signal for departure and hustled onto the train.
The young men were nowhere to be seen, having quickly dispersed and melted into the crowd. It was obvious that this was a loving family by the way they interacted with each other with truly heartfelt emotions. On the other hand, the young male youths were about to commit a heartless act. Were they going to accost her physically, or were they more interested in her luggage and what it might contain?
Heartfelt and heartless are two different words yet they coalesced perfectly into this simple, but true story. To this very day, I always look around me acutely aware of the potential for falling victim to that same situation as I remember that story. It also prompts a smile to recall the love and relief in my husband’s concerned eyes at how close we came to the unknown and the love of our boys for their mother as they clung to my legs at having been separated from me for a mere several minutes on that Frankfurt train platform. I am truly blessed.
Chase your dreams and remember, everyday is a blessing.
Peggy, What a shock to find it was YOU and your husband’s intense love and care for you. I cannot help but to think that God’s grace was there with all of you.
Pat,
I guess it goes back to me keeping things in perspective. Somehow when remembering an event like that my ‘so called’ minor problems of the moment are just that, minor compared to what could’ve happened back then.
Very clever twist on the story! I liked it!
Rebecca, When I look back, I realize what a lucky woman I was. When they say timing is everything, that is so true. Sometimes it is the small things in life that have greater meaning.
I am pleased there was a happy ending and your guardian angels kept you safe.
Terri, So am I. That is why I say to count your blessings. Life is short. Everyday counts. Thanks for your thoughts.
Wow! You definitely had your Guardian Angels all around you! Thank
goodness! What a heartless act and a truly heartfelt ending!
Judy,
Looking back, I am amazed it turned out the way it did. The quick thinking of my husband, saved the day.
Beautiful way to share a story and a life lesson. Good reminder to count your blessings 🙂
Valerie,
You’re right. It’s the life lessons we should remember and never forget. I remember that day like it was yesterday.
Wonderful how “heartfelt” can disperse “heartless”. Glad you were safe – a powerful story.
Winslow,
Isn’t it strange how sometimes timing is everything? Luck was certainly with me that day!
Wow, Peggy! That was an intriguing/suspenseful post! With an amazing — and thank goodness — happy ending. You’re a very good writer :-))
Jan,
When I look back at what happened, I realize how precarious a situation I was in. It could’ve turned out so differently. I was very lucky.
Very well written Peggy. It kinds of keeps you on edge
until we find out what actually happened. Good job.
Kathy,
I had no idea what was going on at the time, and was so lucky for the happy ending. Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you Peggy for sharing this message. Your story is a strong reminder to appreciate the love and the people who are closest to us.
Joyce,
I try to do jus that. I constantly remind myself how lucky I am. Never take a day for granted. Thanks for posting your thoughts. I appreciate it.
Thanks for sharing this “Heartless and Heartfelt” one of the true story of yours, especially during this month. And which reminds me, we are truly blessed to have wonderful loving families.
Pradeepa,
That was one of my objectives, to remind everyone that life is precious and we shouldn’t take it for granted. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Peggy, Those creeps did not know how tough, aware and smart you really are….not to mention, they would have been shredded by your husband…..how vulnerable we become in a mere second….. thank God for the angels in our lives.
When threatening things like this happen, and it has a happy ending, it may have saved you from something worse, if you can imagine that…..what this story does is make us cherish you even more…glad it is now only a memory. Great story teller!
Pat,
Thank you for your good wishes and kind words. When I put things in perspective, I realized how things can turn on a dime everyday. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this. They were wonderful.
Peggy what an unbelieveable story and to find it out to be true. Thank God your guardian angel was looking out for you and had your protector, your husband, right there to protect you. I’m so happy that all turned out well. You are truly a gifted writer.
Magdalene,
Thank you so much for your wonderful words. I am so glad you enjoyed the posting this month. I’m so appreciative about how things are somehow connected whether we realize it or not. These circumstances had a happy ending, thank goodness!
A story that comes so close to my heart with the amount of time I spend traveling – that feeling of waiting, looking around, feeling your heart race, nervousness, and the relief when you see the face of the one you trust in the distance coming towards you. All that counts 🙂
Renee-Marie,
You were so on target with what I was feeling back then. Your stomach does leaps as you wait not quite sure what will happen, being in a foreign place and not knowing anyone. You were spot on. Thank you so much for sharing. Happy endings should happen everyday.
Each month you share some incidents in your life and your thoughts on many subjects. Each time, you are also sharing a piece of what has made the author. This is good. It brings a closer relationship to peggy edelheit and who she is. I look forward to next month’s thoughts and your next book.
Romayne,
I thought that by giving my readers a little background, they would get a better understanding of me personally as a writer and how maybe some of my characters are driven in the mysteries of create. Thanks for sharing and for taking the time to express your thoughts as a reader.
Your perspective is so refreshing, Peggy; so very glad that the heartless part of the experience was thwarted by the heartfelt. Remembered that Pres. Clinton once said (I paraphrase): Maybe one day it won’t take catastrophe for us to be mindful and kind to each other. Loud and clear, I felt the heart. Thank you 🙂
Dody,
It was a kind of negative story that turned out in a positive way, which I thought was worth repeating. I felt people need to concentrate more on the positives in life and never take a single moment for granted because nothing is guaranteed.
I was very lucky and fortunate things turned out the way they did. Thanks for posting your comment. I appreciate it.
Peggy