Thankful for help following accident

Several Sundays ago while on vacation, I hit a deer 10 miles outside of Thermopolis. It happened in an instant. The front end of the car was smashed and the air bags deployed filling the car with what looked like white smoke. The car could not be driven, and to make matters worse, I had lost my cell phone the previous day. Thankfull,y I was not injured.

There was little traffic that morning, but the first car that passed stopped to offer assistance. They were approaching from the rear and did not even see the damage to the front of the car. They only saw a stranger flagging them down. These kind people called 911 and picked up the pieces of the car that littered the road. Would I have stopped? Perhaps not because I am from a much larger town where crime is a big concern.

The Trooper was very helpful and courteous. We joked that it was better to be sitting in the front seat of her patrol car than in the back. The towing company soon arrived. The slogan on his truck said, “We meet the nicest people by accident.” The owner was friendly and helpful beyond the call of duty, letting me use his phone repeatedly and giving advice on what to do next.

He suggested that I wait for the replacement car at a local café. They had a brisk Sunday crowd, but let me stay well after closing so I would not be standing outside in the heat. Once again, everyone at the café was most helpful and friendly to this stranger. About six hours after the wreck occurred, a replacement car arrived from Casper, and I again was on my way to Yellowstone.

Reflecting on this accident, it could not have happened at a better location. I did meet the nicest people by accident. It reminded me of growing up in a small town many years ago where life is different than the city. I thank all of you who helped me. and I will never forget the kindness that is still evident in small town America. You are fortunate people.