A man’s life saved?

It was a hot, sunny July afternoon in Surrey. I was walking home with my nephew and two grandnephews.

While passing by a bus stop near 68 Avenue and Hyland Road, I saw a half-naked, white, handsome, healthy man, maybe in his mid-50s, sitting on the bench.

He had with him a backpack, cell phone, and two other plastic bags. I somehow sensed he was homeless.

Before I could say anything, he burst into a painful crying spell, like that of a totally lost child, saying, “I can’t take it anymore. I am going to jump in front of a bus and end my life. But, first I’ll call my mother to tell her that.”

Just recently his wife had walked out on him, and he had told his son that he meant nothing to him and did not want to speak with him.

He had come to Surrey area from Edmonton, where he had a good job until recently. He was expecting to find a new job soon.

He did not want any money from me; he asked me to just listen to him.

He was extremely thankful that I listened to what he had to say. While I was listening to him, he received two telephone calls from his son. He refused both.

Second to the possible loss of his life, the matter that was most distressing for me was his planned suicide call to his mother. I stopped him calling her. I told him that would be his worst disservice to a member of the generation whom we owe our present and future.

I convinced him that he was still much better off in Canada than millions of others in the Third World countries; he should not break his relationship with his son, because at this point he should make not lose friends and relatives. He gave me his phone and told me to call his son.

I gave him a little money to have food for a few days. He gave me a very firm handshake and thanked me.

He asked me how he could ever pay me back the favour. I told him that when a time comes and he is in stable position he should help the homeless like he is now.

Dr. Ifat Shah

Phoenix, AZ (visiting Surrey)