I was standing in a long, slow line the other day, and a fellow ahead of me had several large cases of carbonated drinks piled high on a dolly. He had the demeanour of a delivery person.

We were waiting several minutes when, to pass the time, I rather boldly smiled at him, and said, "I suppose people sometimes ask you if you are very thirsty."

He looked at me seriously. I thought he was going to express discomfort, and brush me off.

But instead, he said, "Yes, I am really thirsty."

I was charmed by his honesty, and the irony of his situation. I had compassion on his plight because the line didn't move for another several minutes.

Later, it occurred to me that I could have picked up a small bottle of water and offered it to him, with a request that he give me back the empty bottle, so I could pay for it. I knew the cashier by name, and had her trust, so this would have been okay. It didn't occur to me because I rarely buy bottled water.

From now on, I can redouble my efforts to think of creative ways to be helpful.