Wednesday, November 16, 2011

A GOOD SAMARITAN THINKS TWICE


Driving down Old Black Creek Road under a cold gray sky mottled with rain clouds, I pass a defunct warehouse, then the infamous Midtown Lounge by the railroad tracks… Grateful there’s no endless passing train in this neighborhood on this shady edge of town.
           
I pass these unsightly scenes en route to my mother’s country home (roughly fifteen miles down the road) for the noonday Thanksgiving meal.  My plan is to get there early enough to help her out in the kitchen, and so I take the shortcut through the wrong side of the tracks…only to learn that haste does indeed make waste. 

The ominous sky and bleak landscape are portents of a darker sight to come.  As I now drive along the deserted stretch of road bordered by deep woods, a specter jumps out of nowhere… a white shirt flapping in the bitter wind, flung over a girl standing by the roadside, frantic arms waving in effort to flag me down. 

           
Did I just see what I thought I saw, or is the Twilight Zone?


Alarmed by the sudden spectacle, I keep driving. Surely this scene is my imagination working overtime. But when I glance in the rearview mirror, the girl in white is chasing my car in a frenzied state, screaming like a banshee.  My gut tells me to step on it and flee that neck of the woods ASAP.  Then conscience kicks in and I’m reminded of The Good Samaritan.   

That’s when I throw my station wagon in reverse and back up toward the apparition that is starting to seem more real by the minute.  Before I can even come to a complete stop she jumps into the passenger side and yells, “Quick, get me out of here, he tried to rape me!  Hurry before he sees me in your car, hurry!”

The total stranger sits beside me, panic-stricken, shaking like a squirrel, gasping for breath…  stark naked except for a man’s white shirt she’s managed to slip into before escaping. The story she tells is that she was cleaning his house when he assaulted her.  I’m thinking, yeah right.  She’s probably more like a hooker.   

I don’t dare speak, but reach over and touch her shoulder, a mild consoling gesture.  When she catches her breath she begs me to speed up, get her out of these woods before he sees her. “Just take me home please,” she begs.  Then she directs me toward the absolute worst part of town, and in my state of shock, I acquiesce.  

We end up on a Godforsaken street in the heart of the slums.  No sooner have I pulled up in front of the shanty she calls “home” than a gang of hoodlums surrounds my car, all giving me the evil eye.  What would Madea do?
           
Then an inexplicable courage rises within me, and I hear myself speaking with authority to the unsavory characters staring me down.  I crack the window just enough to shout this command, “Go in the house right now and get her a coat!” 

As soon as one of them returns with a jacket, the girl puts it on and gets out of my car.  That’s when I step on the gas and flee like a bandit to the end of that street…only to find myself at a dead end.  I reverse the car, spin around, and pass them all yet again.  And when at last I reach the highway, I floor it!     



When have you put yourself at risk to rescue someone else?

Would you ever place yourself in jeopardy
for the sake of another in danger?

77 comments:

  1. Oh my, Debra! I have never experienced anything like that, but I hope I would respond the same way. Wow!

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  2. Lisa, maybe you’ll NEVER experience such an ordeal. But you never know…

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  3. Debra, just when I think you couldn't possibly get better, you floor me afresh with your writing. This is nothing short of superb! :)

    And, I don't know if, put in this situation, if I would have been a Good Samaritan . . .

    I love your "inexplicable courage"!

    Blessings always, my friend!

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  4. Martha, we don’t know what’s in us until we are tried and tested ;-)
    God knows how to put us in touch with our Good Samaritan side –even if we don’t! XOXOX

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  5. Wow, Debra... A lot of things pop out at me in this piece as it's very powerful. "Honest initial assessment," "vulnerability," "fear," "bravery," "courage," and "comedy." Yes, I smiled at the line "what would Madea do" and then the picture of Tyler Perry as the character reinforced the laughter. I think most people would have to question themselves in this case and it must have taken a lot for you to help. You put your own safety at risk! Not many people would do that! I do have a few questions. Why did you think the young woman was a hooker? What did the guys say or do to warrant the labels hoodlums or unsavory characters?

    To answer your question, yes, recently I helped someone in need. A young lady was walking behind me on the stairs in my building and I could tell she was upset by the way she was breathing.

    She asked if I could stop a minute. She then asked if I could let her stay for a night or two at my apt because she was visiting from CA and her boyfriend had kicked her out after a fight. Her flight was to leave in a few days and she had no place to stay. She was crying and shaking.

    I had recently needed to crash at a friends place due to some housing issues so I immediately felt that this was a pay-it-forward moment. I told her to bring her bags and yes she could stay. I of course was nervous but knew I had to help her as I had just a few weeks prior needed the same help!

    When she told me the reason he kicked her out (after she was safely in my apt) I became concerned for my safety! He accused her of taking some illegal substances from his place! This young lady presented herself well and was intelligent and showed me proof that she was a school teacher in CA. I was still worried, but knew I had to see it through. Anyway, she stayed, paid me for the courtesy and got back home in one piece! If she had not caught me on that day in that moment after I had just been helped, I'm not sure what I would have done. But I'm glad I was able to be of service. Because when I needed it, I was certainly glad to be helped!

    Great post Debra! Sorry for writing a novel!


    http://lyricfire.typepad.com/lyric-fire/2011/11/lyric-fire-a-poets-sigh.html

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  6. I wouldn't have liked to have been in that situation but you did a wonderful thing, regardless of what her circumstances are you helped someone and maybe there's a little more fear driven adrenaline in that story?

    Who knows but yourself of the dangers you put yourself in but the question I have for you is... If you find yourself in the same situation would you do it again?

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  7. Tameka – I don’t know that the girl was a hooker; I just surmise that she might have been. How do I know the guys were hoodlums? The evil eye! That’s not exactly rocket scientist ;-)
    You DID pay it forward! Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. I know you must have been edgy – to say the least - having discovered the threat you faced. But you did the right thing. And now you’ve done the “write” thing and shared your own story!

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  8. Okay, I get it! The evil eye. Understood! ;-)

    I was on edge as I imagined you were in your situation. We both did the right thing and because of it God protected us! :-)

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  9. Sarah Jane – Truth is, no, I wouldn’t repeat that same mistake again. In retrospect, I realize that I should have driven her straight to the police station. I’d stop and help her, yes; I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t have done the same, given the circumstances. But I’d caution anyone to contact the police and not imperil his own life, as I did. I suspect that the gang thought I was an undercover cop coming to bust them.

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  10. What a story, Debra! You handled it all soOo well! Thats the only way to handle toughies, too...by being tough right back to them! I learned that when I worked in the prison system. Its almost as if being tough in return is giving respect in return, you know? And then the softness has a chance to set in. Authentically, from both sides. I wonder if one day you will be in a compromising situation and one of those toughies remembers you and comes to your aid. Life does that sometimes, doesn't it? Thank you for another beautiful post, my lovely heart-centered friend.:)

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  11. I'd have dropped her off at the hospital...

    That's pretty scary, and I wonder how many people would not have helped. We weight the risks and the rewards, and sometimes fear has the final say.

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  12. Brynne – I can count on you to give a perspective I hadn’t yet thought of; in this case, dealing with toughies. Working with prisoners taught you a lot, I’ll bet. Always look ‘em straight in the eye, fearless-like. Right? I have my own prison stories too Brynne. When can we get together and compare notes?
    Are you feeling much better? I’ve sent so many healing blessings your way.

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  13. J.R. – There’s something I hadn’t thought of: taking her to the hospital. But the police station made sense too, in retrospect.
    Most any warm-blooded human would have stopped, right? At least I hope there’s a shred of goodness in most people.
    On fear…
    The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear
    and the acceptance of love into our hearts.
    ~ Marianne Williamson

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  14. You did the right thing - you really did - totally understnad your fear but I'm not sure in the end whether you felt it was a hoax and they were going to attack you - or it was just very rough and you were unsure what might happen? Either way you handled yourself brilliantly taking control of the situation having done something very kind despite your inner fears at teh start x

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  15. Sometimes Debra we put ourselves in danger when trying to do good without even realizing it. You handled it well. Thank heavens it wasn't worse :)

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  16. That was an amazing story. Wow! Total courage.

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  17. Always beautiful
    pure and simple. I'm so lucky to have you to sit and talk with on our porches. Thank you for being so beautiful

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  18. What an experience.... bet you won't be forgetting this one for a very long time....I honestly cannot imagine what I would do. Sitting here I could think of many ways on how to help but being in that moment..... who knows!

    It reminded me of the time when I had to leave a place due to a coup... with my 2 young kids... That fear... voice... unsureness... which you felt I could relate to...

    Am glad you are safe and sound...

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  19. How courageous and loving you are. That fear you spoke of in yourself could have frozen you. the love won out, how simply beautiful. <3<3<3

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  20. Not a Notting Hill Mum – I wasn’t fearful at all until we arrived at the girl’s “home” and I found myself surrounded by a gang of ruffians who may have been just as apprehensive as I, thinking I may have been an undercover cop. You never know what’s going to happen until you find yourself in a precarious situation like that.

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  21. You are a very strong woman,and you handled the situation very well...great post Debra.

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  22. @ Sogyel – Thanks. We have the same favorite movie.

    @ Mary - Amen! We do leap before we look sometimes. That Thanksgiving, I really had something to be thankful for: my life!

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  23. Oh my goodness Debra! I would definitely act baffled when I'm faced with that kind of situation. Being a person who doesn't easily trust other people and with occasional bouts of anxiety, it might be hard for me to help someone like that. But I admire your courage! And how you bore in mind the story of The Good Samaritan instead of making your fear cause you to flee! You're heaven-sent to that lady in need, Debra! :-)

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  24. @ Sea Green Natural – You’d have done the same. Sometimes we don’t know the courage within until we’re put to the test ;-)

    @ Megan – Hey Memomuse, good to hear from you in the blogosphere, but better to sit on the porch with you!

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  25. @ Savira - You’re a brave soul too, I can sense it. Fleeing a coup with two children? Where was this?
    Just wondering… have you ever written THAT story? Or was it so traumatic you’d rather just forget?

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  26. @ Jan – Yes, love wins every time, doesn’t it? Love conquers all fear.

    @ Alpana – Oh, thank you! Sometimes I’m not that strong though… just under pressure ;-)

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  27. Everything happens for a reason. Nothing is an accident. Not a single, solitary thing! You were meant to drive that way. I have never in my life been lost even when I have clearly gone a way I shouldn't have. We aren't the ones driving, the Universe is. Let her drive and enjoy the scenery. Kudos to you for rescuing her. Hope she went to the Hospital but, I am sure she didn't. Most people who live in those conditions don't think anyone will believe them anyway so they just don't report it at all. It's a shame nobody ever told them they deserve much more than to live with the torment of an attempted rape.

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  28. Oh my Debra you are one brave soul. I am yet to be in such a situation. In today's world you do not know whether you are really helping someone in need or if it is just another ruse to rob you. I was conned twice after that I have become extra careful

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  29. Irene – I wish I’d known how to really help that girl. It wasn’t as much a matter of trust as being led to rescue a wayfaring stranger. It’s like the box of chocolates Forest Gump speaks of, “you never know what you’re going to get.” The parable of the Good Samaritan is exactly what made me stop. Every story has its purpose: to show us how to live.

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  30. Debra... it was in Indonesia... was not traumatic but the emotions I had were strong. My husband had left the day before for an assignment out of the country ... I just would not know how to put how and what I felt into words. I still marvel at what I discovered about myself during that time. My kids still remember it but their perspective was quite funny and different....

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  31. Jenn – Exactly! Nothing is an accident. You know she didn’t go to the hospital. It wasn’t until after the incident that people began to connect the dots and help me decipher what the most likely scenario was. She probably supported with prostitution those hoodlum’s habits, so it’s not probable that these types will ever turn themselves in, not even to a hospital.

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  32. Rimly – I hear you! It is a wicked world out there. And to err on the side of caution is always wise, especially after you’ve been conned twice :-( Oh my, what an ordeal you must have suffered.
    You might want to elaborate in a post sometime, if your story would help someone else.

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  33. Savira – I understand. Emotions are difficult to convey with words. But you’re so good at it! I challenge you to try sometime. It would be interesting to see how you paint your unique story with words.

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  34. I have never faced a situation like this...what you did was brave and courageous...glad you could gather your wits.

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  35. Janu – I hope you never face such an uncertain situation either :-(
    Don’t know that I gathered my wits very well by taking her back to such a place. But how could I have known? Oh well, you live and learn, as they say.

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  36. Oh Debra, when I first read this, I was definitely concerned about your safety. But as it turned out, your instincts/ gut feeling signaled you that what you were doing was on the right track.

    I admire your presence of mind and sense of authority. I congratulate you for going beyond what was expected of you.

    Here in my country, the Good Samaritan law does not apply, that's why many of the people involved in road accidents or any other incidents are sometimes left to themselves to die. People do not wish to get involved...because it'll cause them their lives.

    I haven't been involved in such risk or danger not even as a nurse. We were always taught to put our safety first before anything else in first aid courses.

    But somehow, when a gentle voice tells me to stop and take time to listen to those in need in the streets, I help.

    There was this moment in the train station, when I came across a young crippled man riding his wheelchair. From the looks of it, he intended to use the elevator to reach the second floor. But since the elevator was not functioning, he was stuck at the door. He caused a lot of traffic along the way and nobody dared help him since everybody was in a rush to go to work.

    But for some reason, although I was really running late, I impulsively pushed his wheelchair towards an uncrowded place. I was thinking, geez, what if this was just some kind of a plot to rob me. But from the looks of it, the poor guy was alone.

    I was running towards the stairs, when he asked me to do further ~ he told me to get some people to help him go upstairs. And I did... and I stayed until he was in the second floor.

    Most of the time, fear or so much rationalizing paralyzes me to do good... but after my October journey, God gifted me with a certain kind of courage not to allow my mind to rule over my heart and allow it to dilate more to see other people's needs... to go the 'extra' mile...

    I think this was longer than Tameka's lol... this is the second part of the novel :P...

    Thanks for the great space you allowed me to reflect on your words :D

    I pray for more people like you.

    Get involved.

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  37. Debra outrageous!
    I was imagining the whole thing..nice one!!

    Love
    Mani
    mani-wheniwaslostinme.blogspot.com

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  38. Hi, Debra! --

    what an amazing story! I don't think I would have, could have, stopped -- and yet, how could you not? I would have called 911 on my cell phone and tried to ask them what to do??? We do things in the moment we didn't expect, right?

    A couple years ago, I found a little courage in the supermarket. You know, one of those nights when you're cold and tired after a long day and you don't want to do ANYTHING else, but, you MUST get food into the house? One of those nights -- haha!

    Pushing a grocery cart near me, with two young, school-age kids and a baby, was a very tough-looking chick who probably comes from the same neighborhood you described in your story...

    She was yelling at the kids, shaming them and threatening them. She grit her teeth, clenched her fist and spat at them, "I'm going to kill you if you don't shut up and stop whining about everything! Do you understand me?"

    Everyone in the store became aware of them and stared from a safe distance, tsking, shaking their heads, rolling their eyes. It went on and on, we could hear them going up and down the aisles.

    I kept asking myself, "What can I do? Where is the store manager? What would help?"

    See, I know, having been raised in an abusive household that reprimanding her in this situation was not going to improve these kids lives. It might even make things worse. Report her? for what? Who is she?

    Of course, they ended up right in front of me in the check out lane. It was getting so tense that nobody else in the store was making a sound, except for the beeping of the cash registers and whispered totals and change.

    By now, the kids in the shopping cart ahead of me were crying and this out-of-control Mom was threatening physical violence toward them right then and there.

    I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and said, "God, what do you want me to do?"

    When I opened my eyes, I walked over to her which startled her into a moment of silence. I said, "Excuse me, you seem like you are having a tough day. Can I help you bag your groceries?"

    And she got all teared up and said, "Thanks!" She told me what a terrible day she was having and how she's all alone and doesn't have any help.

    The kids started smiling and giggling as we bagged the groceries. We chatted. Then, we parted and went back to our lives. And the shoppers went back to their business. And here we are.

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  39. loved reading Tameka & Melissa's stories, too! thank you for sharing ;-x

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  40. I am almost all better, my beautiful, healing friend. Thank you for helping me on my journey back to wholeness. Yes! I would love to share prison stories one day! What a joy that would be! Maybe one day we can meet in Charleston and have shimp pitas and she crab soup!:)

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  41. Melissa – Yours is a story worth telling too. People like to read about the battles others have faced, and what choices they made. Because isn’t everything in life a choice of some sort? You made the decision to go that extra mile to help the man in the wheelchair when you could have just as easily gone along your merry way. And when the thought crossed your mind that this might be a decoy meant for harm, you followed, not reason, but heart.

    “The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing.” ~ Blaise Pascal

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  42. Mani – I tried to put the readers there at the scene. Thank you for your affirmation! If you were able to imagine it, then maybe I succeeded in bringing you along that road with me. That’s what writers aim to do – or should aim to do! I went back and re-read your story about the soldier’s gift to his beloved. How much of this it true? Or is it all fictional?

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  43. Dangerous Linda – If I’d had a cell phone, that’s exactly what I’d have done: called 911. Oh, the miracle of cell phones! Still don’t have one though :-(

    I became teary-eyed reading your remarkable story; so poignant and filled with compassion. Yours was a different kind of courage, the kind that inspires others to be better people – just as you inspired that mother to be kinder to her own children. I don’t think it was an accident that you were in the store that night, do you? God sent you there for that woman, yes? Beautiful, heartwarming, and stirring.

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  44. Brynne – When you aren’t well, others feel it :-( You are loved, and missed when you’re out of commission. We need the presence of magic you bring to the world. I’d sooo glad you are better.
    Wouldn’t that be delightful to meet in Charleston and exchange prison stories, and have shrimp pitas and crab soup! Oh yeah girl!

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  45. I can feel your love, my friend. And how I sop it up like a warm, happy sponge:) Have you had She-crab soup before?? Oh we must!! And Debra...I posted two wishes this week and I want to be sure you get the first one about soul. I know you already know it well but cant wait to share it with you, bright beautiful soul:) Will you play a Bach invention for me? I miss him soo and have no piano these days...

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  46. Brynne, no, I’ve never had She-crab soup, but it sounds like a MUST-try!
    I went to both wishing wells. That post from Tuesday was just for me, because it prompted a long novel, as you’ll see when you return to the well. Look in the comments and you’ll find the handful of shiny pennies I threw in.

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  47. Debra, You are a brave lady and I admire your courage and helpful nature. You saved a young girl that day. Though I have never been in such a situation, my Dad was always being there for people and helping others even going out of his way to do so. Your post reminded me of his bravery and compassion, thank you. November is a very painful month for me because on 22nd Nov I had bid him goodbye and didn't get a chance to meet him before January 8th when he passed away.Take care and god bless.

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  48. Sulekkha – How you must miss your dear dad. But those memories of him will always, always remain, because love never passes away. How to heal the grief: take one memory of him – just one for now – and write it down. Write one memory of him being there for someone else (and don’t forget to include yourself). Do it during the month of November, as to honor his memory. Then do it again around January 8th. Writing about our departed loved ones is a way to keep in touch with them. Not to mention the healing power it has. And when you write the memory of his kindness, don’t forget to share it with me and all your readers. I’ll be looking forward to getting to know him through your lovely words.

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  49. Hello.
    This is one mighty write-up.
    I'll be honest and say I don't think I would have stopped, especially with it being in a shady neighborhood. I've seen stuff like this on the tv, where the "innocent" claims to be a victim & it's just a ruse to draw you into some situation where the outcome would mean certain death for you. With that being said, I most definitely would have called the cops as soon as I had gotten out of that neighborhood.

    I must say I have to commend you on your actions. I guess it's easy for us to say what we would or would not have done, but until faced with that exact situation, we will never know our own strength of character.

    Thank you for sharing.

    Thoughts Of Beauty In The Stillness Of Dawn

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  50. Hi Andy! You’ve got a good point. It’s a mean world out there. The scene was actually a little out of town, just after I’d passed the hood on the wrong side of the tracks. If I’d seen signs of life anywhere nearby (other than her) I wouldn’t have stopped. But since she was apparently in serious trouble, the better angel of my nature won out. But yeah, bad things do happen to good people. Every day. Thank you so much for coming by and sharing your thoughts.

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  51. @Debra, Thank you for your lovely suggestion, I will definitely write a memory of my dad and share with you and all the other writer friends.Your words helped a lot, bless you.

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  52. This is the nice one, enjoyed this post. Great read. God bless :) xx

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  53. @ Sulekkha - I'll be waiting expectantly...

    @ Shreya - Thank you ;-)

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  54. I found myself wondering, how did you know you were at risk? How do we ever know we are at risk? Who has your back? :)
    Jodi Aman

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  55. Jodi - I don't recall ever saying that I knew I was at risk. I just told the story as it happened, and conveyed how I felt at the time.
    How do we ever know we're at risk? We don't. But, thankfully, I do know that God has my back.

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  56. What a scary story and it begs the question we all ask when we learn of someone who is a hero, an angel during a crisis... Would I be able to do that? I can't answer it honestly because I've not been in a position to test it. Although there is potential danger everywhere, sometimes our fear is overcome by our human compassion. I know at least one person who is grateful for your actions that day... and you can answer honestly, "Yes I would help someone in need without thinking of my own needs/safety" Great post!

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  57. Lynne - I like what Marianne Williamson said,
    “The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and the acceptance of love into our hearts.”
    In my case that day, compassion did overcome fear.
    We can all be inspired by our heroes. Think of Corrie Ten Boom’s story. She, her father, and her sister Betsy are my heroes.
    Who are your heroes Lynne?

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  58. It was early morning on a county bypass road. The car in front of me doesn't make the turn and slams into the guardrail at 50+ mph. I stopped to help. It was an experience I'll never forget.
    Very impressed with your Good Samaritan story. Very glad you stopped.

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  59. J.S. Brooks –and the rest of the story? What is this, a cliffhanger? ;-) Anyway, I'm glad you stopped too.

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  60. Debra, you are an incredible human being for having exhibited such courage and determination in this kind of situation. I know you were able to do so with God by your side, but even then it takes great bravery to put fear aside and help a stranger in need. I wish I had a story to tell but alas, I have not found myself in the position to help someone in such tragic circumstances. I did however, find myself desperately in need of a good samaritan about two and a half years ago. I had gone to the dialysis center to pick up daddy and he was in a wheelchair by this point. He was able to wobble out of his chair but just as he was going to get in the car, he started to feel dizzy and slumped. I did all I could to hold him up but felt him slipping to the ground. A man walking by the center heard my screams and rushed to help. Singlehandedly, he picked daddy up and placed him in the car. He then waited with him while I went back in the center to get assistance. I don't know what I would have done without that man's help. The nurses in the center didn't hear a thing. As I expressed my gratitude, the man stopped me and said, "Please, no need to thank me. I'm glad I could be of service." It's so rarely we come across such selfless people in life. I'm just glad God was watching out for us that day and that He sent help in the form of a good samaritan.

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  61. Bella – Well there you go! A good Samaritan came to your (and your father’s) rescue! You’re so right: it IS rare to run across such kind strangers these days. I can’t imagine what kind of cold heart wouldn’t have stopped to lend a helping hand to you dear Bella. Your sweet countenance would even melt Charles Manson’s or the Boston strangler’s heart!

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  62. WOW what an amazing story! Glad everything turned out ok!:)

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  63. Kelli - I appreciate your words. Hope you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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  64. Wow Debra - you are a super-woman! I have never done anything close to that ever. The extent of my feat was when I stood up against seniors ragging a not so smart batch-mate in college. I told them off, clutched the girl's hand and walked away. No one tried to stop us. But you are fabulous my friend...

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  65. Kriti – super woman? Don’t I wish!
    But standing up against seniors like that would qualify ;-)
    You must have been that girl’s hero!

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  66. Debra, this is a WILD story! You have some courage, girl - especially the way you handled yourself near the end. I'm not sure I've experienced anything quite like this... As a rule, I don't pick up strangers in my car, but have also never encountered a situation like this and not sure what I would have done in your shoes! I'm happy to hear that the story ended well - both for you and the woman you helped.

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  67. Kristen – Yeah, this was a wild experience, one I’ll never forget. It’s not my rule to ever pick up strangers either. EVER. And yet, I think how I’d have felt if I’d been that girl. Grateful I’ve never been in a position to know. Really, none of us ever prepare for such a circumstance, do we?

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  68. That girl was undoubtedly very grateful that you crossed your comfort zones and went back to help her. So many of us just pass by those that need our help....what a blessing that you seized hold of the courage within you...I pray that if ever I am in such a situation that I would do the same. Most of us say that we would, or would like to, but when or if the time comes our true selves, whether heroic or whimpy, comes out.

    This was a stirring post! :)

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  69. Jessica – you have an adventurous spirit. Nothing wimpy about you. So you’d have stopped too, no doubt. Many things that come our way are tests, and this was just one of these tests, I see now. Sometimes I wonder, if I hadn’t stopped, would the scene of the girl trying to flag me down have always haunted me? Would I see her in nightmares? Because that girl could have been me or you.

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  70. You've asked a very tough question. I grew up a little girly an a lot tom-boy. I have great defensive/fighting skills - however, that doesn't make me invincible. While I have gone out of my way to help people (such as offering a ride to a couple walking on the side of the freeway with their baby) - in this situation, however, I'm not entirely sure what I would have done. My instinct is more often than not to help (I'm the kind of person who offers to load an elderly person's car at the grocery store - and other "good deed" type things)... but in this situation the thought of "could this be a trap?" would probably have gotten the better of me. Perhaps I would have stopped but locked the doors and only rolled down the window a little to inquire - it's really hard to say!

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  71. I love that I got to hear this story first hand on my porch! You are a gem!

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  72. Serena – Instinct to help others is divine.
    The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear
    And the acceptance of love into our hearts.
    ~ Marianne Williamson
    There is the instinct of fear also, and sometimes it’s given for our protection. I guess we always just take it on a case by case basis, and learn to be led.

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  73. Megan, I do remember telling you that story on your front porch. Wouldn't a good story collection be called, Front Porch Stories? No telling how many we've shared!

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  74. Here's just another reason why I love and admire you so much, Debra. You're my hero. ♥

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  75. Corinne, I'm more blessed by you!
    I felt so sad when you went away a few weeks ago :-( Now you're back and I'm smiling again ;-)

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