Dear Editor:

I was traveling home through the Hickory Grove area of Bladenboro late Saturday evening after a particularly frustrating day at work. I was looking forward to getting home that evening after working a 12-hour shift. I'm not sure what happened, but I heard a loud pop.

I immediately pulled off of the road and saw that one of my tires was destroyed. I called a friend to come help me with the spare tire. While I waited, a co-worker drove by, saw me standing by the road, and pulled over to see if she could help me. She refused to leave me until my friend arrived.

The thing that surprised and touched my heart about this incident was the number of vehicles, seven in all, that drove by and either turned around or backed up to where we were standing. Each driver asked if we needed any help. In these days of violence, uncertainty, and stress, these folks were kind enough to offer their assistance.

This goes to show that there are still good people in our communities, willing to take a chance in order to help someone. I wasn't acquainted with any of the folks that stopped by, but I'd like them to know that I appreciate their offers, and also to say thank you to the folks of the Hickory Grove Community for being such good neighbors.

Debra Jackson

Richardson Community

Bladenboro