Welcome to YOLO, an ongoing series written by Jess Smith and guest contributors. Here, we’ll emphasize living life to the fullest through new experiences and not dwelling on the silly moments!
Jess Smith, 136 YinD
Every so often, we are fortunate enough to experience surreal kindness. The kind that arrives unannounced, when you need it most, and are somehow able to trust instantly. It’s these types of moments that remind me why human connection matters, especially across language and cultural barriers.
Traveling around Northeast Thailand is tricky, no doubt. Transportation is layered, signs are in Thai, and my language skills are far from fluent. On one particular trip, I needed to get from my village to Khon Kaen,which is about four hours away. The journey involved a car ride, a truck ride, and finally, a bus, or so I thought. When I arrived at Khon Kaen’s bus station, I quickly realized it was nowhere near the city center. Getting into the city would require a taxi ride of some sort, but with no taxis in sight and the Grab app not loading, I found myself stranded. Not knowing what to do, I sat down on a random bench, trying to look calm while my stomach was making itself into a very tight pretzel.
A few seats away, an older man noticed me. He must have somehow sensed that something was off. He walked over and asked, in Thai, where I was headed. To my own surprise, I understood and managed to explain that I needed to get into the city to meet my friends. I told him I would find a taxi, though clearly I wasn’t going to. So, not wanting to bother him with my problems anymore, I thanked him and walked around to try to order a Grab, but failed again, and wandered back to where I had been sitting. Without hesitation, the man patted the seat next to him, motioning for me to join him. His gesture carried such reassurance as if to say, “Don’t worry, we’ll figure this out together.”
He then stood up and led me across the station, weaving through the crowd until we reached a row of vans bound for different parts of the city. He spoke with the ticket seller, confirmed where I needed to go, and guided me to the waiting area for my van. I expected him to leave at that point since he was waiting for his own bus, but instead, he sat down beside me.
For the next twenty minutes, we attempted conversation. My Thai was clumsy, but his patience was endless. Despite our limited conversation, I think we managed to share something much greater than a few words. We shared simple human kindness and a need for connection.
Just before it was time for his bus, he rummaged through his bag and pulled out a pair of sunglasses. With a smile, he handed them to me. No explanation, just a gift, a small but powerful gesture that said, I hope you remember this moment. He then clasped my hands in his, and though we did not share a common language, we both understood the gratitude passing between us. With our eyes both filled with tears, he got up and walked away.
I never caught his name. But I will never forget his kindness.
You only live once… don’t be afraid to accept help.
Sticky Rice 