Here goes…
In late 2018, I tried to end my life on a tube platform. A woman saw what was happening, and stopped me. At the time, all I could remember about this woman were her earrings — like Qing Dynasty coins. I don’t recall much else to be honest, and I never told anyone. pic.twitter.com/P9drDspRIh
— Layke Anderson (@LaykeAnderson) June 6, 2022
Until one afternoon, about a year later. I was having a beer with my best mate on the Southbank and became aware of a presence. It felt like I was being watched. I’d forgotten my specs at home, but when I turned around, I knew immediately it was her. She was about 100 feet away.
— Layke Anderson (@LaykeAnderson) June 6, 2022
While I’d not told anyone the story, I decided there and then to tell my mate everything. It was difficult to share how I’d been feeling, but he’s the very best. He too turned to look, but she and I were already on our feet. I don’t recall us saying anything… we simply hugged.
— Layke Anderson (@LaykeAnderson) June 6, 2022
I recall feeling her heart beating, and of course, the earrings… she was wearing the same exact earrings. It turned out she was Australian, and in the UK for work.
She was sat with another lady, someone she’d only just met, and had been telling her the story of that morning. pic.twitter.com/fScIXbpKtt
— Layke Anderson (@LaykeAnderson) June 6, 2022
“She was just telling me… describing you… and then out of nowhere you sat down in front of us!” (not verbatim)
It was a surreal moment for sure, yet felt sort of expected somehow, in that I had the opportunity to look this woman in the eyes and thank her for saving my life.
— Layke Anderson (@LaykeAnderson) June 6, 2022
And it wasn’t only that day on the platform, but every day when the idea creeps back in. I never saw her again, nor know her name, but I think of her and would love to let her know what she did for me. Twice! A brunette Australian with a grown son, who boarded at Vauxhall… 🙏🏼✨
— Layke Anderson (@LaykeAnderson) June 6, 2022
In a world so saturated by choices, living lives with ever more options, we still don’t get to choose our guardian angels. But if we’re very lucky, like I was, they will find us when we need them. They’re watching, so let’s watch out for each other. Sharing this only with love. X
— Layke Anderson (@LaykeAnderson) June 6, 2022