Three Cheers Letter: Thanks to all who helped with my stalled car

This was a classic case of poverty sucks. While desperately attempting to make a left turn into the Walmart adjacent Arco gas station in Linda, sputter, cough, death. My little Volkswagon died of thirst midway across the intersection. So I did what any normal, female, 20 something would do: Put on my hazard lights, put my sunglasses on, hunkered down behind my steering wheel and called my boyfriend with the hand that isn't dangling out in the chilly January air motioning to traffic to go around.

As I was dialing, an officer pulled up to a stop at a red light directly across from me. I was thinking, "Thank God! He'll help me!" His light turned green and my heart sank as he cruised passed me without even making eye contact. Did I mention I was broke down, blocking an intersection and talking on my phone at this time? Thanks for nothing! I resumed the search for a white knight in my cellphone.

Then, there a tap on my window. A young Hispanic couple had witnessed the officer ignore me, so they pulled into the Burger King parking lot and came to my rescue.

The couple helped me push my car into the gas station parking lot. A shirtless, youngish looking transient joined in to help push as well.

He waved and said "Have a great afternoon ladies." and went on his way. The couple asked if I had help coming before they also wished me well and left. As I sat on my trunk, waiting for my boyfriend to arrive, two other transients offered to help. One even offered me the $2 he had just panhandled. Poverty sucks, but sometimes, it can renew your faith in humanity. Thank you Linda, and God bless.

Brittany Caruso

Live Oak