I was riding down a long escalator at the airport today when I heard loud crashing behind me. Someone had lost control of their large suitcase. It was tumbling down the 30 feet of empty space between us… Right at me!

It was moving fast, and there was no space to dodge. I feared it might hurt me or knock me off balance. I felt in danger. My heart rate went up. My nervous system activated.

I braced myself with a hand on the railing and raised my foot to try to stop the case’s momentum and pin it against the side of the escalator. Gratefully, it worked.

The owner was racing behind the bag with an overwhelmed, desperate look on her face.

She said, “I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. I’m having such a terrible day. You could have been really hurt.”

Her vulnerability softened my fears. I replied, “Don’t worry. Everything turned out fine.” Then I paused and asked, “Do you need a hug?”

She didn’t hesitate. Her eyes got wet, and she softly said, “Yes, I do.”

So when we got to the bottom of the escalator I embraced her whole-heartedly. She burst into tears.

I said, “Everything is okay. You’re doing good. I’m so sorry you are having a tough day. It’s going to get better.” And she just kept crying. I cried with her.

A guy who had been watching all of this walked over and said, “I’ve had times like this. I get it.”

After a minute, she released the hug, and I stepped back. She seemed better. I offered her a blessing, and we both set off to catch our flights.

I believe all of us have this kind of compassion to offer. When we open our hearts to the struggles of others, we can set down our fears and truly cross over.

And hope can magically appear from nowhere - though, in truth, it was with us all along.