@Joe Nation,
Joe I feel for you. My reaction is very similar to yours when somebody unexpectedly does something kind for me. When you're really hurting inside, you're very vulnerable and much more emotional. The simplest little act of kindness can tip you over the edge. In your case you had one big blow that you were trying to come to terms with, then those other little aggravations so you're feeling like a total victim .... bad luck everywhere. You were probably thinking when you asked the attendant that he'd just tell you how long you'd have to wait because that's all you asked. Maybe he saw the shadows of defeat in your eyes and responded to that. Whatever, it was a small but considerate act on his part and that's what touched you.
Airports are great places to have a weep too, as are dog walks because if you do happen on other people, their focus tends to be on the little critter that's with you. My husband died 14 months ago and I'm an expert now at finding places to just let the tears flow without attracting attention. And, yes, at other times when I'm having an awful day and out of the blue some stranger does something to help me ( e.g. picking up groceries for me from a burst bag instead of just walking past ). No trains where I live so it's in my car in the crowded supermarket carpark that I can release those tears - it's a mixture of gratitude, frustration at being so helpless, but mostly it's about loss of a life that I was so familiar with. That safe, secure cocoon that I took so much for granted is no longer. So, yes Joe, I feel for you and wish you strength and patience in the weeks and months ahead. Be kind to yourself too.
