A Lesson Learned

So I suppose the inevitable finally occurred: I had my first meltdown. I guess it’s better that it happened now rather than let it loom in the imminent future, ready to strike at some unfortunate moment.

It dawned on me that at home everything that contributes to my daily routine and overall ability to function has been accounted for. And this was made explicitly clear when yesterday, everything I had to handle myself, felt like an impossible task. I couldn’t operate the 5-day internet pass I bought, the electrician never showed, and I blew out both of my $70 adapters. I was working hard to stay calm, but when I received a text from my mother reading “Today the world is yours”, I immediately interpreted her innocent comment as a mocking insult and lost control.

“Up yours” was the only response my fingers could text back to mother (which I quickly deleted, because even when one is out of reaching distance, you still don’t want to be on the receiving end of a bitch slap via text message which, due to the mode of communication, stings longer).

I started spewing complaints and churning out tears of self-pity, groping our conversation for some sympathy and hoping that my mother would teleport to my side with the electrician, an adapter and WiFi. Instead she bitch slapped me via text message anyway, and using every drop of her maternal wisdom said something quite profound: “Get a grip. This is real life.” Goddamnit! I hate it when she’s right.

I gave myself another 30 seconds to finish my tantrum, and bitterly considered my options – die whining and wireless-less, or go do something about it. Decisions, decisions.

I walked outside praying that I would also conveniently walk into a solution. I slowed down at the doorstep of the hotel I stayed in a few nights earlier, where the bellman asked how he could help me today. I don’t know how it happened, but my dilemma fell out of my mouth and upon the ears of this poor unsuspecting man. I was no longer a guest there, and I don’t think his paycheck covers listening to a spoiled New Yorker bellyache about a minor inconvenience. But he listened patiently, and asked me to wait. He returned with exactly what I was looking for: a three pronged UK adapter for a US visitor. Free of charge, he insisted. How remarkable! A complete stranger just stole something for me from his place of work; just committed a crime (sort of) on my behalf!

When I got back to my flat and plugged in the adapter, my relief seized me like a rescue worker, and I thanked the universe for creating the most magnificent bellman I have ever known.

I don’t know his name. And he may never know the degree to which he’s helped me. He may never know just how grateful I am for his kindness and he will never know that I am writing about him now. But he shifted something in my attitude. In giving me this adapter not only did he offer me reassurance, but he restored my faith in faith.

That taught me something really valuable. Treat people well; Be grateful. No matter where in the world you are, there are certain aspects of human interaction that transcends all boarders and language barriers. Foster something good in your personal space, and let people taste it. You’ll be rewarded in some way. If you build it, he/she/they/it/wine (perhaps) will come.