On Sunday, Sept. 25, I went to Bi-Lo in Columbus. I put my purse down in my trunk as I was putting my week’s groceries there. Not thinking, I then closed the trunk with my purse that had my car keys and cell phone.

There were two gentlemen who came to my rescue. The first gentleman let me use his cell phone to call home to see if my son would bring the extra set of keys to me. Of course I could not remember my son’s cell phone number because I have all of my contacts saved in my phone. 

He did not answer the phone when he heard the answering machine say cell phone Columbus, NC because he is accustomed to “Mom Cell Phone Columbus, NC” on the home telephone. He also knows not to answer the home phone when he doesn’t recognize the number on the caller ID.  

I was standing by my car, and must have looked frantic, because another gentleman then came over and asked if I was okay and if I needed help. I explained the situation and then he told me that Bi-Lo would let me use their phone to try and call again.

I went inside and used their phone and no answer again. This same gentleman then came inside the store and told me who he was (but of course in my state of mind I cannot remember his name), and he offered to drive me home.  

He drove me home and my son was then able to bring me back to my car. A sincere thank-you goes out to both gentlemen who came to help a stranger. I was unable to repay the gentleman who gave me the ride since I did not have my purse, so I hope I can pay it forward sometime and help someone who is in trouble.  

It really makes me glad that I live in a small and safe area where there are still good people who are ready to help.

~ Donita O’Hearn, Columbus, N.C.