The day I met an angel

Friday, March 15, 2013

To the Editor:

Tuesday morning, March 5 started early for me, with a reminder I had an appointment scheduled at the VA for an eye exam. The examination went well for a 85-year-old vet. I then proceeded home happily, content with receiving a good report.

As I was driving toward my destination, I was suddenly alerted to the fact I had a flat tire. I immediately pulled over, unfortunately on a desolate part of Route 3, in Manchester. Sitting there analyzing my sudden predicament, I noticed a car stopping. A gentleman approached me, and without me explaining my difficultly, quickly announced without hesitation, “don’t worry, I will help you.”

With that, he immediately proceeded to get tools and a jack I had. He then had to locate the spare tire, which is stored under the car – a Toyota 4 Runner.

Crawling under my car, he unlocked the spare tire. He set the jack, while struggling to get the wheel off. He worked tenaciously to extract the wheel that had the flat, because it was fused onto the spindle. Luckily, he had tools of his own. He succeeded in removing the tire, put the spare on, and then helped me put all the tools and the flat tire in my car. I was so humbled and grateful, offering him payment for his kindness and dedication for stopping to help a stranger in need, and extending both his time and effort from his own activities, most importantly, his sincere goodness. He strongly refused any payment. He left me with these words: “Just help someone else that may be in a bad situation someday. That is enough payment for me.”

He went on his way, and vanished. However, he left me with a heart filled with hopefulness and a renewed faith in mankind – a feeling I have not felt in a very long time. A man like him in our world today is truly a blessing, a godsend and a profound hope that perhaps the future will be brighter. He renewed in me an example of extraordinary alliance, peace within. I related this event to my grandchildren, exalting the virtues of a stranger and on how to live.

I never got his name, but I know I will always remember him. He taught me something many of us have almost forgotten – love for our fellow man. My family and I will hold dear the lessons taught by example by this remarkable man, an angel in disguise.

Thank you, sir. Hopefully, you will read this and realize how much you have influenced our lives. May God always bless you. I know now, God will

BILL DECHIRICO

Bedford