Stalled Driver Thanks Others For Their Help And Understanding

At about 8:30 one recent morning, I backed my little red Chevette out of the garage and headed off to pick up my friend who lives at Park Place to go to breakfast.

Since I live off Broadway Avenue, just west of Park Road, I turned onto Park Road and drove to Sprague Avenue, where I was held up by the stop light.

When my light turned green, I started across Sprague and then, right in the middle of the street, the car quit on me.

No way it would start.

My stalled car was blocking rush-hour traffic on one of the Valley’s busiest streets.

I was petrified.

I waved to the waiting cars, indicating that I could not move. Just about the time I was ready to jump out and run, two young men tapped on the window.

“Do you need help?”

“I surely do.”

“OK. Put it in neutral and we will push you across the street.”

After pushing my car out of the intersection and into a nearby parking lot, they asked me what I was going to do next.

I told them I planned to walk home, but the two young men wouldn’t hear of it. They insisted on driving me to my door.

At home, I got my van so I could pick up my friend, who was waiting for me outside in front of Park Place, and keep our breakfast date.

The young men who stopped to lend me a helping hand, Dale and Ryan Koohns, were on their way to work and were surely much delayed by their own kindness. I cannot thank these two house painters enough.

I also want to express my thanks and appreciation to the many motorists who waited while my car blocked four lanes of busy traffic and patiently allowed me to get going.

No one blew their horn or tried to get through the intersection while my car was being pushed out of the way.

It is so heartwarming to know there are lots of compassionate people in this world and especially in this Valley.

MEMO: Georgia Jameson has lived in the same house in the Spokane Valley since 1945. She is retired from her job as secretary for Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, leaving more time to devote to her passion for gardening. She is a member of the Lilies of the Valley Garden Club and is especially proud of her roses.

This sidebar appeared with the story: IT’S YOUR VOICE “My Voice” is a forum for readers who would like to share their experiences, opinions and observations on life in the Spokane Valley. If you have something to share, write to: Mike Schmeltzer, Editor, Valley Voice, 13208 E. Sprague, Spokane, WA 99216. Fax: 927-2175. Call: 927-2170. E-mail: mikes@spokesman.com