Lesson from the Subway

Hey Neighbor!

Welcome back to THE NEIGHBORHOOD!   This week’s story takes place on an unlikely place: the New York City Subway.  

It’s amusing to me that one of the highlights of my day is my commute on the New York City Subway. 

I know.  It makes no sense. 

It’s dirty.  It’s crowded. 

But I love it because it’s my chance to sit down, put my headphones on and either listen to music or a podcast or read!

Peace and quiet. 

No interruptions. 

The best part is that I don’t have to talk to anyone!  In fact, it’s expected!  

I’m on the downtown A train.  I nestle in my seat, put my headphones on and settle in for blissful uninterrupted 20 minute commute.  At 59th Street, a man gets on and he’s on his headphones talking loudly to someone on the phone.  Ugh! 

There goes my peace and quiet! 

He’s standing by the door as the train moves and suddenly he screams, “WHAT?! WHAT?! ARE YOU SURE?!” He bangs his hand on the door and I suddenly go into fight or flight mode.

Do I stay?  Do I move?  Do I need to plan an exit?

I keep looking straight ahead and shift my eyes towards the man every so often to make sure I’m safe.  He keeps talking on the phone and says, “I can’t believe he’s gone. It can’t be true.”  He hangs up the phone and starts sobbing.  “I can’t believe it.  I just saw him!” 

I realize that this man lost someone very important to him and he found out, on the New York City subway; A place where you are surrounded by people and yet you feel so alone

At the stop before my destination, two men get up to leave.  As they do, they both walk by this man.  One offers him a tissue.  The other pats him on the shoulder and says, “I’m so sorry for your loss.”  The man nods and says, “Thank you.” The men leave the train. 

The doors close and the train keeps moving. 

I’m floored. 

On the one hand, my heart breaks for this man who just lost someone very important to him.  And yet, I am so grateful and I admire those men who had the guts to ignore social expectation and reached out to someone who needed support.  

I realize, in that moment, that maybe interruptions are God’s way of saying, “Yahoo!  Jackie!  Pay attention!  This is important!” 

Maybe interruptions aren’t all that bad.  In fact, they might surprise you. 

What about you, my dear neighbor?  Have you ever experienced something similar?  What did you learn from the experience?  

I can’t wait to hear your stories.  

I’ve Got You In My Pocket, 

Jackie 

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