I was
Sisyphus again.
I prefer traveling byways. I was returning from Portland this afternoon via Route 88 through Falmouth Foreside. A disabled SUV blocked the north-bound lane as traffic slowed to a stop behind it. The driver's slender arm waved drivers past, motioning us into the south-bound lane with it's south-bound traffic. Eventually I past, and pulled over to help, my proletarian pick-up truck out of place on a bourgeoisie roadside.
The SUV's driver was a frazzled mom with two children in the back. "What's wrong?" I asked gently.
"My battery died! Can you push me out of traffic?"
"Aye."
"Should I get out?"
"You should steer."
"Should my children get out?"
I've limbs that weigh more than her oldest, a pretty girl with long, dark hair.
I thought the fewer people in the road the better. "I don't think their weight will matter - you're in Neutral, right?"
"Right."
It only took me a moment to push her onto the shoulder, clearing the roadway. Traffic moved past us: many watched, no one helped.
I asked the driver "Have you called anyone?"
"My husband - and I'm about to call AAA."
"No worries then. I hope your day gets better!"
I likely could have fixed her battery - frost heaves make rough roads that shake connections loose - and I've a few simple tools in my truck - but I thought I'd let her husband play the hero. No doubt he was already swooping in to the rescue. I could hear a siren approaching in the distance too - someone had called the cops!
I don't expect everyone to stop and help. Not everyone can push a car. I know not everyone carries a cell phone - I don't (and maybe I should get one). I can't shake the feeling however that people don't help because they've been made to feel helpless.
We live in a culture were others make a fortune by convincing you you're inadequate unless you buy their product. Buy WonderBiscuits, and your family will be happy to sit down to a heart-warming meal. Buy SuperSoap and your family will be clean and disease free. Buy NewGizmo and help your goofy Dad be less dysfunctional. If you don't own a PenisGun you're defenseless - bad men will invade your home and hurt your women and children. Your pet will love you if you buy PetChow. You have an inadequate penis condition we can treat with YellowPill, see your Doctor as some side-effect may apply. It's freaking endless.
WE ARE NOT HELPLESS.
Lend a shoulder if you can. Make a call, shout encouragement, wait your turn, direct traffic, or even just slow down a little should you see someone pushing a disabled vehicle.