LETTERS: GOOD SAMARITANS OFFER ROAD HELP

To the editor:

I wish to take this opportunity to inform your readers about the Good Samaritan who resides in your area. My 90-year-old mother and I met this caring young man on Feb. 26 when we were traveling north to St. Louis on I-55. I don't remember the exit number, but it was across from the Diebold Orchards area south of Cape Girardeau. My car struck a large piece of wood that was on the highway, and it bent the wheel on my Lincoln Continental. The wheel was damaged, and the tire went flat instantly. I felt helpless at first, because I have never changed a tire.

Shortly after the incident, a truck driver who I found out was Tim Jordan from Matthews, stopped to help us. He put the temporary tire on my car, which we discovered was flat also. I had a can of fix-a-flat in my car, which he put in the tire. The tire was still flat, however. This Good Samaritan backed his truck up on the shoulder so I could back up and cross the highway to attempt to find an air supply. He followed us to make certain we could get help. The Amoco station in the area was not yet in operation, so it had no air. Mr. Jordan accompanied us to a small town -- Benton, I believe -- with a tire store. I needed a new wheel and tire, but they had none that would fit my car. Mr. Jordan put air in the temporary tire and made sure it was inflated so we could get to the nearest place that could help. Since it was late Friday afternoon, I was unable to get a wheel and tire, so I drove all the way to St. Louis on the temporary tire without incident.

I would also like to thank a gentleman who runs a tire store off Exit 96 near the Honda dealership. His first name was Chris. I'm sorry I don't remember the tire store's name, but he was great and went to much trouble in trying to get me a new wheel.

So I actually met two Good Samaritans in your area. I hope they will read this and know how much I appreciated their kindness. The Show Me State shows me there are great folks in your state.

SUE CONWILL

Fulton, Miss.