I was approaching the "forever" escalator in the Berri-Uquam Metro.
The escalator was the longest one I have yet to experience in the metros
All of a sudden my attention was riveted on a small "old" lady preparing to get on the escalator.
It took forever for her to close her walker, to painfully move it to her left hand,
the same hand that was holding onto her cane.
She accepted my offer to help her, and together we rode the escalator.
I couldn't resist asking her one question: "What makes you go through this painful painful procedure
of using the Metro."
Her answer shut me up forever. "My dear, if I didn't, I would be locked into my apartment. Alone. Forever."
As we approached the top of the escalator, she shared with me her reward for living life against all odds:
Her niece invites her to spend the summers with her in London!
She is not alone with an indomitable will to live life to the fullest within seemingly impossible limitations.
