I’ll Never Forget You – #WATWB

Jupiter Effect, Perspective, WATWB 73 comments
Roberto Clemente Bridge

I have walked across the Roberto Clemente Bridge, in Pittsburgh, countless times. I walked across it when Roberto Clemente was alive and playing baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates and it was still the humble ‘Sixth Street Bridge’. I’ve written about that bridge and its “sisters” the Andy Warhol and the Rachel Carson bridges and I’ve shared many photos. Those photos were taken as my daughter and I have walked to and from the Strip District and as Faith and my brother and I walked home from a Penguins game.

The bridge is often crowded. It’s closed to traffic prior to baseball and football games. Among the tourists and residents walking to the stadium, there’s always a few homeless people looking for a little help. Given what it costs to attend a major league game, it’s hard not to give a small amount to someone less fortunate. We hope that the contribution helps, but we never really know.

Two days ago, a Major League Baseball umpire came face to face with the reality of what happens when things get too hard. Walking across the Roberto Clemente Bridge, he noticed a woman standing on the outside of the railing. She was preparing to end her life by jumping into the Allegheny River. He wasn’t going to let that happen. He grabbed her:

“No one wants to help me,” she repeated. “Just let me go.”

“No, we’re here to help you.”

“You’ll forget me tomorrow.”

“I’ll never forget you,” he said. “You can have my promise on that.”

This story details the encounter, which ended with the young woman en route to a hospital, and hopefully to the help she needed.

The lesson I think we can all take from the story is summarized in the umpire’s last statement:

“You never know what somebody’s day looks like,” he said. “It’s a nice day, everyone’s out for a walk, and somebody’s not having the same day you’re having. I was just glad to help.”

We don’t know what kind of day the people we pass and the people we encounter are having. We don’t know what kind of day our coworkers are having. Sometimes, we don’t know what kind of day our family members are having. I hope I can pay closer attention in the future, and I hope I’ll be prepared and willing to help someone if I have to.

In the United States, if you or someone you know might be suicidal, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

The “We are the World” Blogfest is in its fourth month of a year-long journey. This blogfest’s goal is to spread the message of light, hope and love in today’s world. We are challenging all participants to share the positive side of humanity. This month’s co-hosts , Belinda McGrath Witzenhausen Ashlynn Waterstone Michelle Wallace Sylvia McGrath Sylvia Stein will welcome participants and encourage all to join in during future months. #WATWB is a blog hop on the last Friday of every month. Click HERE to check out the intention and rules of the blogfest and feel free to sign up at any time between now and February of 2018.

73 comments

  1. “You never know what somebody’s day looks like,” he said. “It’s a nice day, everyone’s out for a walk, and somebody’s not having the same day you’re having. I was just glad to help.”

    He saved her. He insisted and saved her. God bless him! Thank you Dan for sharing this story and for participating in the #WATWB

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  2. Hi Dan – oh that’s wonderful to read that she’s been given another chance with life … the umpire has done a wonderful thing helping her. I heard today that our train network workers have all been going on Samaritan courses … and that because of this we are having fewer suicides on the train tracks (bridges, jumping under trains etc) … it does make one think – and we never know what someone else is going through. Great post – cheers Hilary
    http://positiveletters.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/we-are-world-blogfest-in-darkness-be.html

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    1. Thanks Hilary. I’ll be spending some time tonight, catching up on the #WATW stories. It feels good to know that there are wonderful stories out there. That’s good to know about the train crew training.

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  4. Thanks Dan,
    An important subject beautifully covered. I have often heard it shared that if you went into a room full of your issues, and everyone was invited to honestly and openly discuss their own issues with the room, after hearing everyone’s story, you will be happy bringing your own back home with you.

    For anyone in my part of the world (Ireland) needing immediate support, about whatever’s getting to you, please call Samaritans’ 24-hour helpline: 116 123

    Les

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  5. Very sobering story, and thank heavens it had a happy ending. Applause to that gentleman for coming to the aid of his fellow human. And, yes, we certainly don’t have a clue what kind of pain another person is dealing with as they pass through our lives. Nice reminder, Dan, to be more aware and responsive. :-)

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  7. As our two great countries prepare to celebrate all that is right in our countries it is good to be reminded that there are those who need our help every day. We need to always be vigilant!

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  11. Did not hear about this story Dan…and very happy that umpire was where he was when he was. Isn’t it odd how fate does intervene and the woman’s good luck came in the form of a man simply passing by. Will go back and read the article, thanks for including this AND the blogfest. Something else I did not know about till reading your post. Happy weekend and 4th to you.

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    1. Thanks. The woman was really lucky the umpire was passing by. The article seems to indicate that there were other people there. It’s so hard to know what to do. I can imagine people choosing to do nothing, Have a great weekend!

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  14. This Independence Day is the 31st anniversary of my college roommate’s suicide. I just wish I could have seen it coming and stopped it. I hope this woman finds peace in her life and people who care for her like this umpire did.

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    1. Thank you Evelyne. I have been participating in WATW. I like it and I will be joining as a cohost in September. Sometimes it’s hard finding a story to link to, which is sad. This one only arrived yesterday.

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  18. I followed the link and read the story in its entirety. It is heartwarming and thought-provoking. Thank you for bringing it to my attention and reinforcing its message with your own words and thoughts.

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  21. Another great post from you, Dan! It tells a very soul-touching story. If everyone pays attention to those who need help, our world will be a very different place in a good way!

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  23. Great post and agree. I have a thing (for lack of a better word) that if I make eye contact with someone / anyone I smile and acknowledge it as I feel you never know and sometimes all it takes is for someone to see that you are not invisible.

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  25. This is such a touching story but so true. Often people battle with issues that others aren’t aware of. I’m so glad that he was there for her when she needed it the most. I worked in social services and unfortunately, this happens more often than many realise. She was fortunate that day. Thanks so much for sharing this! #WATWB

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  27. I generally carry apples or energy bars and give them to the homeless. Looks like a lovely, romantic walk (the bridge at night) but for those who feel lost, it’s probably a cold and lonely.

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    1. That’s a good idea.

      that bridge can easily fit either of those situations. On a game day, it’s crazy busy. On other nights, it doesn’t connect much of anything and it can be a lonely walk.

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  28. Dan, thanks for this on many levels. Coming from a family who has experienced suicide first hand, i can resonate with the example. “You’ll forget me tomorrow”. This words are so poignant. Very often our help is passing or fleeting, yet help is needed in the longer term. You have framed the problem so well for us. May she, and others, receive the help she needs. =Simon’s Still Stanza #WATWB

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  29. Thanks Dan – thank heavens the umpire was going by and able to initiate her walk to wellness …sometimes suicide really does seem the only way out if there is no-one to help. I reckon we need to be more open to those in need.

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  30. I hope, the next time somebody wants to shout abuse at an umpire, they think of this story. If I could have any wish today, it would be that we could all see other people as human beings, and not as set dressing for our own starring roles. Thank you for sharing this story.

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  31. Lovely and something which took my breath away. Thank you, Dan. I have a family member who says they take each day “moment to moment.” Which means they may give up, as they have tried before to give in to the demons and not wish to burden others. My SIL, Susan lost her own sister in law to suicide and she often brings me a moment of courage when I don’t know what to say to the ones who feel lost.
    This man said he cared and would remember her. He saved her life! How great that this happened and reminds us all to try and be aware of this email lost souls who feel desperate and unloved. Beautiful post, lovely warm thanks.

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    1. Thanks Robin. He did save her. I hope she gets the help she needs. We don’t have to look far to find an example of someone who couldn’t find help in time. It’s so sad.

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  34. Superb post, Dan! You are so right that we never know.
    We also never know when the smallest act of kindness (even a simple smile) will get someone through the day.
    Even when we think we know someone, we don’t know the pain they may be in. It’s harmful, even dangerous to dismiss someone’s problems.
    Hugs on the wing.

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