Mystery man shielded her at a metal concert in 2002. Now, after 13 years, she wants to send him a message

Sometimes, we meet kind strangers who deeply impact us, significantly changing our perspective on humanity and life in general. However, they vanish from our lives before we realize it, leaving us with the lifelong regret of not thanking them. That's exactly what happened to a woman who goes by u/far-pop7552 on Reddit. Well, when she attended the P.O.D. concert as a teenager, the woman encountered a kind man who graciously protected her from being squished in the massive crowd.

For her 19th birthday, the author's friends surprised her with P.O.D. concert tickets in Sacramento. "I was beyond excited. When the band hit the stage, I managed to make my way to the very front, dead center, living my best life," she shared. The author was completely engrossed in the concert when the mosh pit started. Fortunately, the deadly crowd couldn't harm the author—thanks to a kind stranger who literally became her human shield. He was standing just behind the author, with his arms out on either side like barricades protecting the little girl. "He didn't say a word, didn't make it weird, and was nothing but respectful. Because of him, I got to enjoy the entire show from the front row, safe and completely in the moment," the author revealed. 

Further, she shared that for years she regretted not thanking the stranger for his meaningful gesture. Moreover, the woman hoped that her Reddit post would reach the compassionate man who helped her enjoy the concert. She also shared a sweet, heartfelt message, addressing the man that read, "Thank you for protecting that excited 19-year-old girl at the P.O.D. show all those years ago. I have never forgotten your kindness."

Reacting to the wholesome Reddit post, u/amberwavelength wrote, "Ah, the unsung hero of every mosh pit — the human shield. No words, no thanks, just pure unspoken dedication to making sure you don’t get swallowed by chaos. This man was the real MVP, putting the 'bro' in 'bros before chaos.'" Similarly, u/rckblykitn14 shared, "As a tiny little 5'0" chick who was front row for many, many shows with pits, I had a lot of those people help me like that over the years (mostly back in those early to mid-00s days). They are freaking awesome. I saw POD back then, with Linkin Park! Amazing show."

u/accomplishedIgit shared, "I’m a naturally tall and pretty solid woman; back in the 90s I would often end up in a human cage for smaller girls in the front lol. I completely forgot about this. Good times." u/1xcodegreen revealed, "Was at a recent metal concert, and metal/rock heads are BROS. There was a handicapped person in a wheelchair who wanted to be in the mosh pit. The sea opened for him, and 2 larger guys followed him as he did circles around the pit in his powered wheelchair. Kept him safe, pushed some people to get the mosh feeling, real bros. Will never forget it."

On the other hand, u/ferociousferonia commented, "I've done this for a kid who was getting smushed against the barrier at a local rock festival. Couldn't be older than 11, struggling against the tide of drunk people and clearly scared. We slowly shimmied our way to safety and he f***** off without a word to find his mom." u/usedusername88 confessed, "I've been in dozens (and dozens) of pits. We are all family. We are all there to have a good time. At 6'2" and 250 lb, I've thrown up and held up a LOT of crowd surfers and been a few human shields myself."