BaraaRandall posted a very interesting blog (Better Communication Without Borders: Some Writing Tips for Our Bloggers). Aside from the tips he wrote there regarding blogging and writing as a whole, he also posted a challenge there.
Write a blog, in English, about a stranger you met just once who had a strong effect on you, positive or negative. Tell a story about them, what you learned from the meeting, and tell us how the world would be a better (or worse) place if there were more people like him or her.
The Stranger
I studied high school in Isabela some 200+ km away from home. Back then, I only get to go home at least once every six months. Being away from your parents give you some sort of independence and freedom. However, you get to miss them dearly. There is no place like home, right?
I do not know what was the reason why I went home one weekend. I can't recall even what year in school I was then. I always enjoy bus rides. The road going home is full of scenes that you can feast your eyes. The landscape can be verdant or dry, wet or gloomy depending on the season.
On that particular weekend, the bus was full and the only available seat was beside an old man - The Stranger. I am not so keen in having a seatmate during bus rides but that particular bus is full and I have no choice but to take it because I am not certain there would be another one coming bound home.
The Stranger automatically offered me the window side so that "you can enjoy the view" he said. I was a happy traveler. The Stranger is a man of few words and I liked that. I don't want to be disturbed. I felt asleep along the way and when I came to The Stranger was eating corn. Along the roads somewhere in between Isabela and home, there are those roadside vendors who sell anything from corn to onions to any kind of produce. There are peddlers too who get on every bus to sell their goods.
The Stranger offered me a corn and I obliged, thanking him. A teenager is always hungry. Finished with my corn, I don't know where to dispose the corn ear. The Stranger offered to take my corn ear so he can throw it out the window. We were in a populated area and he did not just throw it anywhere. He waited until he sees a garbage can by the road and there he threw it.
The Stranger was a man of kindness. He was considerate, thoughtful, solicitous, and caring. His attitude made me want to be like him - treat others kindly. We were strangers but he treated me like a son.
I have learned to treat others kindly because it may be the only thing someone needed the most.
God bless you, Mr. Stranger.
