Open Letter

To My Fellow Passengers on the VRE Train to Manassas:

Yesterday I, along with everybody else on the train, was fatigued from a long day's work. We were all tired and looking forward to returning to our respective homes. As I boarded the train, I quickly realized that there were no available seats.

I understand that chivalrous acts, such as standing up and offering your seat to a woman, are no longer performed. Children no longer rise to offer their seats to an elder, hats aren't removed inside and we no longer hold doors for our each other. Perhaps I am old-fashioned, but I feel that the demise of these simple acts is a travesty.

Yesterday evening, I stood among you in the aisle, precariously trying to maintain my balance while holding my bag and a large box. This feat would be difficult for any passenger, but was made more difficult by the fact that I am disabled. Yes, you rude men and women stared at my leg and gawked as I tried to balance on my prosthetic while holding boxes on a moving train. You sat with your children and did nothing. Shame on you!

To the man whose headrest I used to maintain my balance: Sir, you are a cad. How dare you complain about my bumping you all while watching me struggle with my balance. Have you no empathy and no compassion? It is no wonder that your girlfriend was sending racy text messages to another man while you rubbed her knee. You are the epitome of all that is wrong with our society. And, Sir, you were quite odoriferous.

Out of a full train car packed with businessmen, I discovered that there was only one true gentleman among us. A man in soldier's fatigues approached from the back of the train. He apologized for his fellow passengers and offered me his seat.

Thank you for your act of chivalry. Our fellow passengers could learn from your simple act of kindness. Instead of trying to avoid looking at me, as if by pretending that they didn't see my struggles absolved them of responsibility, you stepped up. This world would be a better place if more people practiced the antiquated art of manners. Thank you for being a genuine gentleman.