Dear Editor:

This letter is really a search for a young lady who assisted three senior citizens on Aug. 15, just outside Merritt on the Coquihalla.

My sister, her husband, and I, driving from the Fraser Valley in a new car, realized we were experiencing a flat tire. After immediately pulling over to the side as far as we could (there wasn't much room to get right off the highway), the tire was removed. But alas, the spare would not fit in. The car was as high as the jack would take it.

We were very nervous, as our situation was quite dangerous. Cars and trucks, by the dozens, whizzed past us and rocked the car. A young couple stopped shortly after, and we used their cellphone to contact BCAA. Busy day, and an hour's wait was predicted. The young woman in the car did show me how to get my cellphone working in the area. Another man and his young family also stopped, but we thanked him and indicated that with BCAA coming soon, we should be OK. Well, with three hours waiting, we did become really concerned.

Then another car stopped, and a delightful looking young lady in a bright-yellow top and shorts, wearing a lovely large smile, stopped aback of us and walked forward, asking if she could be of any help. After giving her an explanation of our situation and thanking her for her concerns, she said, “Don't worry, I am very handy.” With little fanfare, she located the problem by finding another spot to use for the jack, proceeded with the job, and had us all ready to repack the car in no time.

While she was working, two of us walked to her car and spoke to the two young children there. We let them know how wonderful their mother had been and how grateful we were for her help. We were told by her young daughter that they had been going in the opposite direction, saw us, and turned around to help! We approached “Lisa,” who was finishing the change of tires, and offered her payment for her wonderful efforts. “Absolutely not,” she said. “I really am just trying to be a Good Samaritan.” The world does indeed have some wonderful people.

Can an address be found for Lisa? We are sure she must be quite well known in your community. Perhaps she will allow us to donate to her favourite charity.

Aileen Burke
Fort Langley, B.C.