Maybe this isn’t exactly about massage, but then again, maybe it is.

There’s been a lot of talk about people acting ugly so I’ll like to share some things I’ve learned.

I have been using Uber to get to and from work at Rockwall Body and Soul Massage since I injured my optic nerve and can’t drive right now.

It was a challenge at first to accept riding with strangers and some times, it’s still hard…especially when it’s pitch black dark and I’m not able to read lips.

Last night was a perfect example of chivalry and compassion.
I had sprained my ankle yesterday morning but it was manageable however by the time I was ready to go home after 9 at night, it was swollen and tender.

I walked hallway across the parking lot and then, I couldn’t take another step.

My Uber driver pulled up and I tried to walk towards his car but shooting pains made me wince and stumble.

My driver jumped out of his car and I felt strong hands wrap around my waist and take my hand. He lead me into the car and then went back and grabbed my backpack and purse.

We have had so many discussions about men and how bad they act sometimes and many therapists won’t even see men unless they are a referral.

Yet sometimes I think we need to look at the guys point of view.. and here I am, a white Texan woman dressed in black tank top and bell bottom jeans with red lipstick and tears in my eyes.

The guy only knows what I had messaged him “ I hurt my ankle. I’m very wobbly. Can I sit up front with you?”

Think about what must be going through his mind when he pulls up into the empty parking lot of a big two story house to find me standing there with a purse and a backpack and obviously in pain.

Isn’t that a little bit how it feels for us when we open our doors to see a new client standing there obviously hurting a little, trusting that we are good and there to help?

Yet he stepped out of his comfort zone and offered a strong, steady hand when I needed it.

We drove to my house while I dug into my bag for kinesiology tape to wrap my ankle.

By the time we got to my house, the shooting pain was worse but I kept telling myself that it was only 54 steps from the curb to my front door.

But as I tried to stand up, my ankle clearly wouldn’t support my weight.
Once again this man I had only just met wrapped one arm around my waist, and I held on to his shoulder. We walked a few steps and then it felt like a knife was cutting into me with every step.

He held on tighter and practically carried me into my porch.

I had tears in my eyes when I hugged him and then told him that I wouldn’t open my door until he was safely back in his car.

He smiled and ran back because my three large dogs were growling and barking so loud.

I watched this gentleman stay in his car until I was safe inside my home and I am so grateful.

I’ve taken over 250 Uber trips and I believe there’s a good reason for all this.

I’ve learned even more that most people are good and kind.

I’ve had amazing conversations with so many drivers including Freddie that told me that he knows that sometimes people see his picture and are scared to ride with him-because he’s a big, black man.

He talked about making sure every woman feels safe in his presence. I not only felt safe, I felt respected and valued as he walked me inside my destination- hand in hand.

Hand in hand.

I’ve held hands with men from Sudan and Ethiopian, with men from Brazil, Honduras and Vietnam.

I’ve had a man from Israel hand me a cross and ask me to pray for his Momma while he walked me up the stairs and hugged me.

I had the “special needs” driver buckle my seat belt himself and lay my bags just so on the seat before driving off. He also opened my door and tucked my hand into the crook of his arm and walked me to my porch and then, with great concern in his eyes, asked me to wait until he was back in his car before I opened my house.

I’ve had several women step out and walk with me, too, and I’ve had some heart warming talks with them.

But most of my drivers have been men and in over 250 rides, I’ve only had 6 people that I’ll never get back in the car with again.

I am hoping that I’ll get the okay from my eye specialist soon so I can drive again but I think I’ll continue to use Uber once in awhile because it’s been a wonderful experience getting to ride with strangers and becoming “ almost friends” like Walter said the other day.

It’s been enlightening to see how men from other countries tend to be more of the “ Southern gentlemen” that the born and raised Southern men.

I have learned to look at the profile picture with anticipation of meeting another extraordinary person rather than looking at a picture and jumping to conclusions about them.

I’ve learned about myself, too, and that I can overcome my fears and trust my instincts and use my voice and make the best out of every situation.

I am a survivor of sexual assault and I still will not go into public restrooms alone- especially those with multiple stalls.

I carry protection and I know how to use it. I use the safely features on the app and in my iPhone and I text my lifelines when I’m getting in a car and when I arrive but I have to trust…I have to take that leap of faith every time I book a ride just like every client takes a leap of faith when they book a session with me.. or with you.

I hope for the best and I expect the best and I damn sure try to be the best rider and the best therapist and the best woman I can but sometimes I just barely hold it together and that’s when I realize that’s the way it is for each person sometimes..

So I’m just grateful for those that look at me and see who I really am and let me see them.. one ride at a time, one session at a time.

I’m so grateful there are Uber drivers and especially that there are ones willing and able to lead a strong arm and hand when needed. — feeling thankful in Fate.