I just wanted to reach out and tell you how wonderful your close community is! Today, I was traveling back from a vendor show in Leon, IA to my home in Estherville, IA. I have a home based cupcake business and had a booth set up at the show. I was traveling with my 2 youngest daughter’s and started having some minor car problems on I35 just before the exit to Grimes. I was actually heading towards Ames, but my gut told me to get off the Interstate. My GPS rerouted me to stay on 141 which lead me to 144 into Rippey. Just before reaching town, I lost control of my vehicle, and was swerving all over the road. I felt a constant thumping under my vehicle and immediately thought we were going to crash. I was able to gain control, slow down to about 10 mph and coast into town where I saw the Sinclair station. When I pulled in, I saw a 2 women and a young man outside. I asked for help to try to figure out what happened. Without hesitation, all 3 of them showed concern and were very welcoming. My girls were able to sit inside to stay cool while we looked my vehicle over. I then realized the one young lady worked there, the other lady was her mom, and the young man was her boyfriend (or husband). We couldn’t figure out what was wrong, and instead of sending me on my way, they quickly made phone calls to others in the community for help. Being a Sunday (and father’s day) nothing was open. They then pointed me in the direction of Dan (who I was told was the mayor). I drove to his shop and told him the situation. He then realized that my rear driver’s side tire was missing all but 1 lug nuts and the bolts were all snapped off. The fear that set in is indescribable. Knowing I could have been minutes away from a serious accident (possibly on the Interstate) and having both my young daughters with me, was unbelievable. I was fighting tears as I told him I was a single mom, traveling alone with my kids, over 2 hours from home and very little money on hand. He told me not to worry about it, and that if he couldn’t fix it, he would get us home. He made some phone calls, and soon enough, a guy (I believe named Shannon) and a young man showed up to help. They went above and beyond any of my expectations and within the next hour or so, had me and my girls safely back on the road home. Needless to say, their generosity brought tears to my eyes. The kindness from those I encountered today is something I will forever be grateful for and is honestly what the definition of a small close knit community represents. They all stepped up in their own ways to help a complete stranger and I can’t thank everyone involved for everything they did! You have all earned a special place in my heart!
I hope you’re able to share this message with the members of your community. Be proud of who you are and what you stand for. ❤️
Thank you!!!
Linda Conway