Aid from strangers warms a mother’s heart

For Dustin Dylina, 11, and his mother Debbie, the Fourth of July will mark a special sort of anniversary from now on.

Dustin may remember it as the day he took a tumble on his new dirt bike, fracturing his wrist, but his mom will remember the kindness of several anonymous strangers who took the time to help.

The Dylinas live in Rathdrum, Idaho, but Dustin was riding at the Seven Mile off-road vehicle park when he hit a stump, losing control of his motorcycle. He briefly regained control, but hit a raised root and was thrown to the ground.

That’s where the Good Samaritans enter the story.

“Another biker, a man named Rob, heard Dustin yelling, shut his bike down and went to him. Rob sent his teenage son on his four-wheeler to find me while he waited with Dustin. I called the ambulance, and the EMTs and fire department got there really quickly, but Rob waited until the ambulance took Dustin.

“After that, I didn’t how I was going to get everything put back together, but there were three young guys waiting to see what they could do to help. One of them rode Dustin’s bike back to the truck, and then the three of them hooked up the trailer and loaded the bike on it.

“I don’t really know how to thank everybody. Counting the ranger, emergency services personnel and the guys at the trail, there were probably 10 to 12 people who helped us. I wish I knew their names. All I can do is hope they know how grateful my son and I are. I’d never been through anything like this before, and I didn’t know what to do.”

Dustin’s off the trails until he heals, probably another five or six weeks, but his mom said he’s already counting the days. Besides his wrist injury, he got a gimpy knee and a fat lip from the crash.

“He’s very fortunate,” his mom said.

“He hit the ground face-first, and his helmet came off when he hit the ground. His bike’s OK except for the handlebars – in fact, Rob said the first thing Dustin wanted to know was if his bike was all right.

“I’m so surprised by everyone’s willingness to help us. It just warms my heart.”