Just when you think life is going a certain way, there can be an unexpected twist of fate. James Fox found this out after meeting a total stranger.

Life is not easy for James Fox. His arms and legs are disabled because of an accident. Even worse he was homeless. One day he was riding on a skateboard heading to his mother’s house when a man stopped his truck and asked James if he’d like a ride. The driver’s name is Dan Creighton, who’s a CEO of Creighton Construction and Development. Concerned for James’ safety, Dan decided to offer a lift.

Dan offered to purchase him an electric wheelchair, but James refused. He simply told Dan that he was on his way to his mom’s house. Dan told James to reach out if he needed anything. They didn’t meet each other until two years later, when Dan spotted James at a bus stop. He didn’t hesitate to pull over and ask if James wanted a ride.

James remembered Dan, and admitted that he was on his way to the Social Security office for help. At that time James had no family support anymore. Both his mom and dad had pas-sed away after the pair had first met. Even though Dan didn’t know much about James, he took him to his office and gave him a $10, 000 check. Since then, James has become like a member of Dan’s family and has even started up on his main passion, computer work, once more.

Dan even bought James a flat in South Point Villas. The home is completely accessible as the floors flow throughout, so James can use his skateboard to get about. Dan also created a GoFundMe for. James, called “Let’s Make 2020 James Fox’s Best Year Yet”. The target was set at $13, 000, but it has already surpassed $10, 000. James is now settling into his new home, and knows he has a lot to thank his friend.

On one day my grandma died, I went for a walk to clear my mind. The small purse I carried with me was a gift from her. The bag only weighted several pounds but it felt like I was dragging heavy luggage.

As I was walking, I spotted Mary who gave me an excited hug. She asked how I was. “How are you” is a question that can turn meaningless or meaningful, depending on how you answer it. I considered going the meaningless route. Then I remembered that she is a friend from church. We once celebrated an activity together. Maybe I could lean on her for some comfort. I explained that my grandma died and I was feeling in bad shape emotionally.

Mary expressed kind regards. Then she asked the question everyone asks when you tell them someone died, “Were you two close?” It’s the main standard that determines the appropriate size someone’s sadness can take. The answer to this question depends on how someone defines closeness. I tend to feel close to people I can have heart-to-heart with. I nodded to Mary and said, “Yeah, we were.”

She nodded back, playing her role in the cultural script (剧本)we all know. Mary gathered information about the funeral arrangements, and then we parted. Seeing her was a catalyst (催化剂) to my quickly getting in touch with my sorrow. I cried loudly on the street directly.

Later that night I texted my friend Roger to tell him what had happened. I expected a text back with sympathy. Instead, the phone rang. Soon he was asking me what my favorite song was. While I hesitated, he started singing the hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul.” He finished it and prayed for me over the phone. It really made me exhilarated. I felt that a heavy burden was removed. But I cried again because of the spiritual synchronization(同步). I didn’t share stories of my grandmother or try to explain my complicated emotions over the phone.

Then I realized that courtesy (客套话) is generally good practice, but it can’t compare to personalized, thoughtful communication. And that kind of pat statement really has no place if you want to make a real connection.