The Importance of Being Present

One day I was heading to the elevator outside Lake City Branch and held the elevator for a woman who was running toward it.  She recognized me from years ago at Columbia.  She told me she had been a victim of domestic abuse and had come to the library for help.  She thanked me for how I was with her that day.  I had, she said, made a difference.  She didn't remember anything about resources I gave her, though I am sure I did.  It was how she was treated that day that mattered after many years....