When there are delays on the NYC subway, there is often an announcement that the delay is due to "an earlier incident" at some station. On our way uptown this afternoon, my husband and I witnessed a disturbing incident that was sobering and self-revelatory. As the train that we were going to take rolled into the station, a late-middle-aged man who had been sitting on the bench got up and moved toward the edge of the platform -- a normal action. But he then sat down on the platform with his legs dangling over the edge as the train rushed toward us. Thinking that the train would not be able to stop in time, almost everyone froze, including me. I even turned away momentarily, afraid of witnessing the carnage. But as the motorman slowed the train a young woman ran over to the man and started to drag him back onto the platform. Her call for help got me moving and I helped her with my left arm, since I have barely started physical therapy with my right arm following shoulder surgery last month. Another man, more able-bodied, joined in as others called for assistance. The train then pulled all the way in and we got in as a transit policeman looked after the man on the platform. I am sobered by the fact that it took the quick action and call of the young woman to get me and others to act. If I see anything like this again, I hope I can remember and emulate her. In these times, everyone must be prepared to act, whether the incident is one of self-endangerment or harassment.
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