Woman's Kind Act For Elderly Stranger Shows You Should Never Think Twice About Helping Others

An author based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has warmed hearts across the globe after sharing a story of the importance of trusting your gut and helping others in need.

Celeste Ng said she was driving to the gym when she passed an elderly lady who was sitting on the pavement. The author said the weather was cold (40°F/4°C) and she found the woman’s choice to sit there a little odd, “I told myself she was probably fine, but I also felt uneasy,” she tweeted.

While some in a similar situation would’ve rushed past, not giving it a second thought, Celeste drove around the block once more and stopped to ask the stranger on the pavement if she was okay. And it’s just as well that she did.

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The elderly woman explained that she had gone for a walk and realised, too late, that she couldn’t walk as far as first thought.

“She’d sat down to rest and then couldn’t stand up on her own again,” Celeste explained.

The author helped the elderly woman to her feet, directed her towards her car and drove the woman back to where she lived in a residential care home, roughly three blocks away.

“I am so glad I came back to check, and didn’t just assume she was fine,” she said.

After sharing the story in a Twitter thread, dozens of people replied to the author praising her for the simple yet hugely impactful act of kindness. Some even explained how altruistic acts had made all the difference to their lives.

Celeste! It can be so hard sometimes to follow that small voice that reminds us to pause our busy days and offer help where we don’t know if it’s wanted. That is selfless and good. What a loving thing you did today.

— Laura Turner (@lkoturner) April 3, 2018

I’m an old lady with a cane and it always brightens my life when someone offers to help even if I don’t need it. Restores faith in humanity and sense of self-worth. It’s like those first daffodils in the sense of happiness it gives you.

— Captain Planet 🇺🇸🇫🇷 (@dovesandletters) April 3, 2018

Thank you for listening to your gut. I often worry about doing that and feeling silly if I’m wrong. But this story demonstrates that’s its worth feeling embarrassed 99% of the time if you help someone like this even just once. ❤️

— Yvette Salvatico (@ymsalvatico) April 3, 2018

Thank you. My mom has been rescued by good people like you on more than one occasion.

— Jane Davidson (@MJD1956) April 3, 2018

My tiny grandma once fell in the snow and was rescued by a teenager who snuck out past curfew. She was confused and he was brave enough to help. That was 20+ years ago. I still think of him.

— Katie Dohman (@katiedohman) April 3, 2018

Celeste concluded her Twitter thread: “I guess the moral of the story is: If you’re able, always take a minute and check if someone needs help.”

HumanKind is HuffPost’s celebration of kindness, featuring people who do incredible things for others or the planet – transforming lives through small but significant acts. Get involved by joining us on Facebook or telling us about the people who you think deserve recognition for their kind works. You can nominate them here or share your personal story by emailing natasha.hinde@huffpost.com.

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