A funny thing happened on the way to the operating room. In the months leading up to surgery to correct a problem, I experienced a full range of responses to my cane and crutches. One person dismissively let a door slam on me while I struggled to juggle bags, books, and a cane. At the other end of the spectrum, a kind soul offered to load my plate in a buffet line at a business meeting when my hands were otherwise occupied maneuvering crutches. It seems that people regularly make subconscious decisions about if and how to be kind to a stranger in need of a little assistance. Let me explain.