A Moment of Clarity

He fell after his groceries. The bag tore, sending canned goods across the pavement. I came upon him trying to scramble to get the run away cans. He was older, had been effected by a stroke, the left side of his body hung, dragged, slowed him. I caught up to him and offered my assistance. Slurred words declined the offer. I removed some of my purchases from one bag and handed it to him, the least I could do. I got to my car, watched him struggle, stand, move. I sat in the lot for five minutes crying.