Birkenhead drill

    What is that?  A reference to the priority given to women and children during an the action of abandoning ship.  Being a good human being and understanding the need to look out for those who need help, I agree with the idea of "women and children first."

    I know this only applies when abandoning ship, but I feel like there are other areas this could apply. So last week, while I was waiting on the restroom, I witnessed a perfect situation to apply this concept. There are 4 people in front of me in line three females probably in their 20s and one male, probably 40ish. A gentleman walks up with a little girl; If I had to guess she was around the age of 3 or 4. From years of attentive listening to parents talk about their children I know there is a 50/50 chance this little child told her dad she needed to use the restroom right now. From the look on his face he is concerned about her making it in time.

    I waited to see if anyone before me would suggest letting him take the little one before them but those in front of me acted like they didnt know what was happening behind them. As my turn came around I told the gentleman  "you can go ahead of me if you would like". He smiled and responded "are you sure, because you've been waiting awhile". I smiled and told him I'm sure the little one should not have to wait any longer. His look of relief was all the thank you I could have asked for.

    It's times like these that I wonder if people take the time to SEE others and are able to sympathize in their human condition. Becuase I'm so observant of my surroundings it's hard for me to overlook people in situations I can assist. I'm not saying people are wrong or that they should seek out opportunities to assist others; this is Just my thoughts while I'm out and about.

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