The kindness of strangers

By Sue Nowicki
snowicki@modbee.com

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A couple of weeks ago, Doris Heisel of Modesto wrote about a recent visit to Beardsley's Book & Bible in McHenry Village.

"I went into the store to order a book for those who are aging," Doris said. "The clerk was very kind and told me I needed a $5 deposit to order the book. I had not taken in my purse.

"Suddenly, a woman in the next line whom I didn't know offered the $5. I told her my husband was out in the car and I could get it from him. She said to please take it.

"There are still gracious and generous people in our city. God bless her."

William Lane and Sharon Kenyon of Groveland said they were traveling in Yosemite toward the Big Oak Flat exit on Jan. 31 when they were involved in an accident. Some people stopped to help, but William and Sharon don't know who they were.

"We want to thank the folks who stopped and helped get us out of the wrecked vehicle and afforded us assistance and comfort," they said. It was rapidly getting cold, and the good Samaritans helped them stay warm, offering a blanket and folding chair while they waited for official help.

"We are both out of the hospital and are rapidly recovering," they wrote. "If you want us to return a blanket and folding chair, please let us know, and thanks again."

If you are the folks who helped this couple, contact me and I will put you in touch with them.

Fran Welsh of Ceres wrote to thank her neighbor, Tracy Bull, who lives with his wife, two daughters and four "very nice dogs of varying smallish sizes and breeds."

Every morning, Fran said, Tracy takes his four dogs out to run in the country. When they return, they sometimes cross the street to visit her dog, Washo, when she is on her leash in front of the house.

"I believe (Washo) waits for them each morning," Fran said. "The five dog friends nudge, sniff, bump, squeal and generally have a good time. Tracy and I often visit in their midst. Tracy coaches girls basketball and swimming, and I am a retired teacher and principal, so we have lots of 'philosophy' to share.

"This very welcome visit from Tracy's dogs is for me a wonderful example of good neighborliness."

Jeanette Norris of Modesto read an article in The Bee regarding unconditional love and wrote to tell about her experience.

"I am a survivor of breast cancer since

Feb. 14, 2000," she said. "My husband of 22 years was with me through it, everything from losing my left breast to the sickness and losing my hair, taking chemo treatments to radiation therapy. ...

"Every day, he told me he loved me. He never failed to say it. He had a heart attack and died March 26, 2007. His name was Charles Michael Ray Norris, and he was 53. This is my story of love."

Do you have a story about someone who has helped others? Send a brief item to Sue Nowicki at P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352 or e-mail snowicki@modbee.com.