When I was growing up I was afraid of policemen. As far as I was concerned they were only there to give people traffic tickets. Actually, I found many adults scary back then. Parents, teachers, school principals – they had the power, they knew it, and many of them used it.
During the past few years I’ve discovered the small town of Kihei on the Hawaiian Island of Maui. I recently spent a week there with my daughter and her family. They rented snorkeling equipment for the week. “The snorkeling is great,” my daughter said. “There’s a cove right off the beach, with a reef and schools of colorful fish. The crowds don’t arrive until after nine.”
So one morning, I put on my sunscreen and bathing trunks, and drove to the beach with my granddaughter and her boyfriend Matt. We arrived at 8:00 am.
I had no idea how to climb down to the beach from the parking lot, so I followed their lead. After a few false starts, Matt opened an old gate near the lifeguard station, and we were on our way. They are in their early twenties. I’m in my late seventies. I didn’t want to hold them back, so I told them, “You go on ahead. I’ll take my time.”
Soon, they were frolicking on the beach while I was still carefully picking my way down a path that was rocky and steep in places.
I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“Are you trying to use this path to get down to the beach?”
Oops. It was the lifeguard who had spotted me and climbed down from his shack. I was busted.
“Yes. I’m just trying to get down to the beach.” I pointed toward my granddaughter and Matt, expecting a reprimand for trespassing.
He extended his hand. “Here, let me help you.”
I was stunned. I was already in the middle of preparing my excuse and apology for using the wrong path. And where was the sign, anyway?
But the lifeguard wasn’t carrying a pad of traffic tickets. He just wanted to help me. He wasn’t being mean. He was being nice.
He assisted me over the final long three or four steps to the beach.
His kindness made my day. I think we’re here to help each other, and this was a wonderful example.
The next time I visit Maui, snorkeling will be high on my list. But next time I’ll use the regular steps to the beach.
Alan