There Are Still Unsung Heroes
Posted: Friday, February 01, 2008
by Susan Thom
It was a nasty morning. Schools were closed, and it as raining, but the ground was cold, and it was icy and very slippery. I had to go to the post office, and on my way back, a mile or so from my home, I began to lose control of my SUV. There were woods to my right, and I found myself heading for a telephone pole. A big, tall, strong telephone pole. I could hear my mind chattering, "Don't let it end like this." I missed the pole by a fraction, and plowed over a cement marker, and landed in a ditch. The car was pitched to the right. The left back tire was off the ground, and the other three were stuck in mud. There I was, in freezing rain, no cell phone, and no idea what to do but stand in the freezing rain and wait. God provided a miracle in a man who stopped to see if I was alright. I told him I was, but I couldn't get my car out.
I'm sure this man was on his way to work, or somewhere he needed to be, but he took his time with me, and saved me a lot of hassle. He didn't hurry, he didn't make me feel bad in any way for interrupting his day, he simply helped me, and I am so appreciative. His cheerful demeanor helped, when all I wanted to do was sit down in the icy rain and cry. I guess he knew it wasn't as bad as it seemed, or he knew it was, but didn't want to alarm me. In any case, this man was an unsung hero. He helped me in my time of need, and we need more people to do the same in order for our world to heal.
Why was he coming down the road three minutes after the crash? Why was I there at that exact time? Some questions never get answered while we're here on Earth, but I don't believe in coincidences. Coincidences are God's way of remaining anonymous. It was no coincidence that our paths crossed this morning. This man was calm and patient and kind. Someone needed help, and he had the means to do so, and chose to do it. I don't remember many things from the past. I don't remember many things from the present. But I will never forget that man, and how he appeared in thin air to help me out of a jam. It makes me realize that it's easier to pay someone back when they are mean and nasty, you can just ignore them and move on, but what do you do when someone has done something that has been so kind and giving, and definitely helpful?
It's been years since I've been the driver in an accident, and the feeling is still the same, total numbness as you are aware that this vehicle is heading, on ice, towards a telephone pole. Your heart races, your palms sweat, you try to steer the right way, but when you are on ice, and there's nothing you can do, it is especially terrifying. The vehicle doesn't go in the direction you're steering. And brakes may not as well even exist. And there is tonnage around you! I can only thank God for my unsung hero in the early morning. We both needed to get what we got out of the situation, and we can both move on. He needs some new tie straps and I need some body work. However, we are both okay, and in the most simplest and humble way, I would like to say thank you.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)I've had people help me out in similar situations Susan. I'm so grateful it hurts when I offer them money and they refuse to take it. It seems thank you just doesn't seem to be enough to express my gratitude.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi david, i didn't have any money to offer him, but he, too, seemed to simply want a smile and a thank you. best regards, suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
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