Random Acts

Every week Mama Kat gives 5 writing prompts to choose from. I enjoy her challenges very much. They always give me pause to think. And this week is truly exceptional. Please see The Liz Logelin Foundation and Anissa Mayhew's Hope 4 Peyton.

Mama Kat and other sites(all listed on Mama's Losin It) are also holding auctions to benefit the sites listed above.

Writing prompt #4 asks to describe a time when a stranger helped you.

When I was a senior in high school, I didn't have a car like a lot of kids did. And if you didn't have a car you either road with friends who did, got carpooled, took the bus, or rode your bike. I was the latter.

School was just a little over 2 miles from home. I had traveled about 1/2 a mile and was getting ready to cross a busier intersection. It was a 4 way stop, which is sometimes easy enough, but that doesn't apply here. As most of us know, you must stand up on the pedals to gain momentum. Since I needed to cross quickly, I did just that. I was also holding on with one hand, as the other held my books and purse. Here is where it gets kind of fuzzy. I have no idea what happened. All I know is, thankfully, just after I got on the other side of the street I was flying through the air. I landed painfully on the right side of the bike. I specify the right, because it was my left leg that was broken. I don't know how long I laid there. The pain was excruciating. As I lay there writhing in pain, I tried to figure out what to do. As far as I could tell, I couldn't possibly move.

It was then that I realized just how close I was to my Home Teacher's house. In my church we have Home Teachers--men assigned to families within the church. Our Home Teacher at that time, was exceptional in his calling. He taught me how to drive, in addition to being my surrogate father for "Father-Daughter" activities at church. I was just two houses away from his house. Now if I could just figure out how to get there. I would crawl if I had to, and the rate of my pain I would. I knew he would be home, and awake. He worked nights, and it was about the time he would be getting home. He would help. Just as I had decided I was going to be crawling my way to his house, a Junior High student was passing by. I didn't know her, she didn't know me. I stopped her and started to explain just where my home teacher lived. She was ready willing and most importantly, able. She was just about ready to head over there, when a car pulled over just in front of where I had fallen--and couldn't get up!

A nice lady got out, sent the Junior High girl on her way, and pulled me up to my...foot. She had seen the whole thing. To this day, I wonder what it looked like. I must have flown. It was all under two minutes...if that... before she turned onto the street I was on. After she poured me into her car, she quickly hoisted my bike into the back and took me straight home. I don't remember telling her where I lived, tho I know I must have. She was a stranger. I just remember my mom taking off my shoe and looking at my leg. It was already bruising. She thanked the lady and then the lady was gone.

I can't tell you what she looked like. I can't tell you anything about her. She was my good Samaritan. So here is my chance to say thank you to her.

Dear Lady Who Stopped,

You didn't have to stop. You could have just gone onto work, or where ever you happened to be going. Instead, you followed your heart. You helped someone who couldn't help herself. I don't remember if I said thank you. I know my mom did. Not because I heard her say it, but because I know my mom. You didn't need to be reimbursed. You didn't want recognition. You just wanted to help. And you did. So, thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Lourie

Dear Anissa,

I don't know you. But I want you to know that my prayers and others are being said for you. You are a fighter. Every day is your victory. We are all rooting for you!