Old Man with Rose in Hand Saves Young Girl from Colliding with A Car – Story of the Day

Anna was in a hurry to meet her boyfriend when an older man kept her from being run over. When she explained the reason for her distraction, the man told her something she would never forget.

Anna had been running errands for her mother around Toledo, Ohio all morning. She was so busy trying to get things done that she forgot about her date with her boyfriend, Julian. He was not the most patient person in the world and had been texting for a while.

Then he started sending her voice messages. “Where are you, Anna? I’m not going to wait for you all day! You should have told me you were busy! You need to get here immediately!” he exclaimed in the latest voice message.

Anna texted him back that she was finally done and on her way. Hopefully, that would be enough to assuage him. They were supposed to have lunch at the mall food court, and Julian hated going to the mall.

But as Anna kept staring at her phone as she rushed to meet Julian, she failed to notice she had crossed the road on a green light. Suddenly, there was a loud honking from a car and a hand grabbing her arm to pull her back. She tripped, but the hand kept her from falling.

“Young lady, you should really pay more attention to where you’re walking,” a man said. Anna looked up and saw an older man. He had saved her from being hit by that car.

“Oh, sir. I’m so sorry! Thank you so much! I was just in a hurry,” she explained to the man who bent down to pick up a rose he had dropped.

“Well, your well-being comes first, miss. Never forget that,” the older man said. Everyone was still waiting for their time to cross when Anna noticed the rose the man was holding.

“I’ll pay attention next time, I swear. So where are you going, sir? That’s a beautiful rose,” Anna asked.

“Oh, it’s a long story, and you’re in a hurry,” the man answered.

“You just saved me. I think I have time to hear your story if that’s ok with you,” Anna decided. Julian would not be pleased, but she wanted to know.

“Well, first things first. My name is Frankie Sharp, and I met the love of my life right here on this crosswalk more than 40 years ago,” Frankie began as they stood on the sidewalk while others walked around them.

“Oh, wow! My name is Anna. Can you tell me more?” she replied. Anna was a hopeless romantic.

“Well, my wife’s name was Lauren. We met right here on this spot. I thought she was the most gorgeous girl I had ever seen, but then I crossed the road without looking...” Frankie revealed.

“You got hit?” Anna wondered.

“Yep. It was awful. I had several fractures and was rushed to the hospital. But you know who came with me? Lauren,” the older man said with a smile.

“No!” Anna exclaimed, smiling too.

“Yeah. We were essentially strangers, but she got into that ambulance and sat by my bedside. We talked about everything and got to know each other. Then when I needed months of rehab and tons of help, I thought she was going to leave and forget about me,” Frankie sighed.

“But she didn’t?” Anna hoped.

“You’re right. She stayed. She helped me through everything, and as soon as I was well enough to kneel, I proposed. You don’t let go of a girl like that. We were married for 45 years, and every day, I bought her a single rose,” the old man continued.

“That’s so romantic,” Anna said dreamily.

“Yeah. Then Lauren passed last year, but I still buy her a rose every day and take it to her grave. It’s a habit I can’t break. When you have a good woman like Lauren, you cherish her every single day. I’m actually on my way to the cemetery,” Frankie explained.

“Oh, I delayed you. I’m sorry,” Anna apologized.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m glad I was there to grab you before anything bad happened. You probably have to go now, too,” Frankie remarked.

“Well, yeah. My boyfriend is waiting for me, and he’s not very patient. That’s why I was rushing,” Anna stated.

“Don’t let me keep you, then. But if I may give you a word of advice. A man who truly loves you won’t compromise your well-being for anything. It was nice meeting you, Anna,” the old man affirmed, tipped his hat, and left.

Anna stood at the crosswalk for a long while thinking about that man’s story. She thought back to how Julian needed tons of support during his last year of college. Anna made him meals, helped him study, and even paid some of his bills.

But he never thanked or even acknowledged everything she did for him. On the contrary, he seemed almost to hate her. And she had convinced herself that their relationship was normal because everyone told her true love doesn’t exist.

Well, now I know it does exist, and I’m going to find it, she thought with conviction. Just then, her phone rang. It was Julian again, and he was probably ready to yell at her for being late.

“WHERE ARE…!” Julian yelled when she answered, but Anna cut him off.

“It doesn’t matter where I am because I’m not going to the mall with you. We’re over, Julian. Go find someone who will put up with such a horrible boyfriend because I’m done!” she shouted and hung up.

Anna smiled and finally crossed the road. She was free from Julian and ready to meet the one.

What can we learn from this story?

• Don’t stay with someone who doesn't value you. Some people are so afraid of being alone that they don’t notice how horrible their partners are. Luckily, Anna opened her eyes and got rid of Julian.
• Older people give great advice. Anna listened to what Frankie had to say and heeded his suggestion.

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