My brother saved a little boy’s life once. The boy was swimming and got out too deep. No one saw him go under except my brother.
It happened more than 30 years ago and I’m certain my brother never even stops to think about what would have happened if he hadn’t been in that lake that day. Maybe time has also erased it from the memories of the little boy’s family. But maybe not.
Dolorus and Vern Krile from Fargo found themselves in a spot where help showed up before they even knew they needed it.
“My husband and I were taking our car to a repair shop a few months ago when our car suddenly stalled.
“When my husband tried to start it, smoke began billowing from somewhere under the hood and filtered into the car.
“Two men showed up out of nowhere, one on the driver’s side and one on the passenger’s side. They told us to get out and move away from the car. Since we are elderly, and that is easier said than done, the men helped us.
“They had already called 911, but decided to stay with us until our daughter arrived. We all watched in shock as our car became engulfed in flames.
“Most of the time, when we drive in this area, it is pretty quiet. But that day, when we needed it the most, these two angels appeared, one on a bicycle and one in a car. They saved our lives.
“We are so very thankful and told them many times over how much we appreciated their kindness. Unfortunately, we never got their names. I just want these men to be recognized for their kindness to us.”
Do the two men who helped Dolorus and Vern consider themselves heroes? Or angels? I imagine not. Do you?
Yet you’ve been there for someone who needed you. I’m certain I have, too. And if we keep our hearts open to the tugs that tell us when to help, we can be assured that we will have the privilege of saving the day, or perhaps even a life, with kindness once again.
Please continue to share your stories of kindness with me at info@nicolejphillips.com. Or send a letter to Kindness is Contagious c/o Nicole J. Phillips, The Forum, 101 5th St. N., Box 2020, Fargo, ND 58107.
Nicole J. Phillips is a former television anchor for Fox News in Fargo. She is a writer, speaker and mother of three kids. Nicole is married to Ohio University’s Men’s Head Basketball Coach Saul Phillips. You can visit Nicole at nicolejphillips.com.
