Life
Teen sees 87-year-old woman on the freeway and rushes to give her the help she needs
He knew he couldn't let her out of his sight.
Luis Gaskell
11.12.21

Eric Roman is still just a high school senior, but he’s already decided on his future. The numerous police badges lining his room don’t exactly hide it.

YouTube screenshot - CBS New York
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS New York

The seventeen-year-old wants to be a police officer, and he’s already learning some of the skills he’ll need.

He doesn’t have a badge of his own, or his own station car yet. What he does carry around with him is a first-aid kit that he’s ready to use at any time.

YouTube screenshot - CBS New York
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS New York

A young man with this much enthusiasm and energy can do a lot to help, he just needs to be given a chance. Eric understands that the role he yearns for is one of protecting and guarding.

Soon enough, Eric got the chance to put his energy and helpful exterior to use. It took place on an expressway on Staten Island.

YouTube screenshot - CBS New York
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS New York

Eric was driving down this road and saw an elderly woman. She was alone walking down the offramp. The old woman seemed like she wouldn’t enjoy being alone for much longer.

Now suspecting the old lady needed help, Eric inspected further.

The teen picked up some visual cues that the old woman needed help. From her confused demeanor to her shaking body.

As an energetic young man, this was Eric’s time to show what he was capable of.

YouTube screenshot - CBS New York
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS New York

The teen got out of his car immediately. He wasted no time running to her aid. “I don’t want you to fall,” he told her.

Her name was Laura Farr. She was 87 and on her way to her grandchildren. Now don’t think the trip was too bad for her. Laura’s grandchildren only live a few blocks away from her.

Having done this before, Laura wasn’t worried about walking. In fact, it was not walking that got her all confused and shaky.

YouTube screenshot - CBS New York
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS New York

Laura was offered a ride from a car earlier that day. She sat in the car and got a bit motion sick and disoriented.

Those of us who get carsick can relate. Perhaps the abrupt switch from a walking pace to faster transport was too abrupt for her.

That or the driver wasn’t the smoothest at driving.

YouTube screenshot - CBS New York
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS New York

Whatever the case, Laura eventually got out and tried to make the rest of the trip on foot. That’s when Eric saw her.

Not being one to ignore the sight, Eric called an ambulance. Laura was hesitant to get in due to the vehicle sickness she experienced just a bit earlier. Still, Eric pressed and convinced her given how serious the situation was.

“I’ll hold your hand. You know, when you go to the ambulance let’s let ’em take you. Let’s let ’em check you out.” – Seventeen-year-old Eric Roman quotes what he told Laura to CBS New York.

Eventually, Laura realized what she truly did need the help. Even if the ambulance would cause a bit of dizziness, it was way better than being left alone on the road to walk.

YouTube screenshot - CBS New York
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS New York

When she was back home for her interview with CBS, she made sure to tell them how happy Eric’s gesture made her.

YouTube screenshot - CBS New York
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS New York

And he’s not stopping one bit. Though she’s usually safe and sound in her home now, Eric still comes to visit. Here, he even brought her flowers!

YouTube screenshot - CBS New York
Source:
YouTube screenshot - CBS New York

It’s never not a treat to make someone smile. We’re glad that Eric was there that day, else Laura may have ended up in a worse situation.

Watch how it all happened down below. Think of some friends and family to share this article with too!

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