Thursday, March 12, 2009

Escalators, Older Women, and Large Suitcases (NOT A GOOD COMBINATION)

My friend Eileen and I went to D.C. in order to go to several museums.  We had a great time hanging out together and I even got some great pictures of the capital building.  We visited the Capital, the Library of Congress, the Natural History Museum, and the National Archives.  It was a fun day, but nothing was as exciting as the beginning of our journey.





Eileen and I were on the metro riding into D.C.  We had to change trains, so we got off one train and took a short escalator up to our next train.  Since an older woman in front of us had a suitcase and was taking up the entire escalator, we stood next to each other about 2 rows behind the woman and her suitcase.  As we stood there talking, suddenly the woman in front of us ended up in our arms.  She fell back without bending her knees and landed directly in Eileen’s arms (lying horizontally).  I caught her suitcase, which she was still holding onto as if it was going to keep her from falling.  By the time we realized that we had caught her we were about half way up the escalator that seemed much shorter than it had a few moments below.  My brain was trying to figure out ways to get this woman standing again.  Pushing her up (with her legs still completely straight) was not doing anything.  Thankfully, just before we reached the top of the escalator, a man came running up behind us and pushed Eileen and I up the stairs moving the woman into a standing position.  He then walked off quietly while we made sure the woman was okay.  Although it provided us with a lot of laughter as we thought back on it, we were also grateful for all the things God put into place that allowed her to get back onto her feet before we reached the end of the escalator.  The important lesson to learn from this is that if you have a suitcase that is heavier than you, it is better to take the extra time and find the elevator.

 
It was an exciting day spent with a good friend.  It was probably the most fun I have ever had going to museums.  Thanks Eileen!

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