Young Woman Offers Man a Hug & Kind Words, Stops Him from Jumping Off Bridge
Do you ever get that feeling in your gut that tells you to do something? Do you ignore it, or do you go with your instinct, forever glad you did?
I think we’ve all had a feeling like that at one time or another. Perhaps you call it intuition, Jiminy Cricket, or even a still small voice.
Whatever term you use, your decision to act could just mean the difference between life and death.
This is exactly what happened to 23-year-old Nicole Oyola of Clearwater, Florida. While driving across Howard-Franklin Bridge, the young woman felt the urge to pull over.
According to Fox 13 News, Oyola saw a man who she at first thought might be having car trouble.
But a closer look told her that much more was going on than a flat tire or an empty tank of gas.
The man was reportedly sitting on the edge of the bridge with his feet dangling over the side.
“I started talking to him,” Oyola told Fox 13. “I told him… you’re worth it, you’re enough…”
“I don’t know what you’re going through,” she went on, “but I love you and I know that God loves you and everything’s going to be okay.”
#Caring #listening are qualities of a #kindnesschampion⭐️ #Wonderful #NicoleOyola stopped when she saw a man on the edge of the #HowardFranklinBridge #FL. Her #kind words of #comfort and her #compassion saved his life? @MSN #youmatter #kindnessrocks❤️ https://t.co/KLFiqtTSo2
— Operation Kindness (@Kindness_Rocs) November 3, 2018
These words, though simple and few, were just what the suicidal man needed to hear. Oyola said he appeared overcome with emotion at her kindness.
When the man, said to be in his early 20s, began to cry, Oyola said she asked if she could hug him.
“I just want to give you a hug,” she told him. “Can you step to the side so I can give you a hug?”
The man listened, the two embraced, and a life was saved. Oyola was able to call police at that time. The officer who arrived on the scene even prayed with him.
“God has a purpose for everyone…” Oyola shared with Fox 13. “If I was going through something like that I would want someone to stop for me, too.”
Fox 13 did not reveal the man’s name, but they did report he was considered “a threat to himself” and would probably be held for 72 hours so he could get the care he needs.
As for Oyola, she’s certainly the hero of the day. Clara Reynolds, CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, agrees.
“Personal interaction of somebody that just says… I care about you. I’m here for you… that is the game changer. That can be the life saver,” Reynolds explained to Fox 13.
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has made it their mission to make sure no one in the area feels alone when facing a crisis.
If you or someone you know is in a similar situation or has voiced suicidal thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out and get help.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7. Call 1-800-273-8255 any time to speak with someone and be reminded that you are not alone.
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