People yell at you when you fall. “Are you alright? Are you alright?” they shout, even if you are clearly conscious. They respond as if you not only stumbled but also are deaf.
And they want to get you on your feet as soon as possible.
After falling twice this summer, once at a pebbled beach on my way to a Native American healing ceremony and once on my way to an antique store, I understand a helper’s impulse but I recommend another strategy, if the person is not unconscious.
Sit down beside her and be quiet. Maybe hold her hand. And maybe say just once, “It’ll be ok.”
“It’ll be ok,” is never a lie.
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