My son drives our car to high school in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh each day. Recently, when he returned to the car at the end of the school day, he was dismayed to see one of the side-view mirrors dangling from the side of the car.
Somebody had obviously hit it in passing, as happens in tight quarters on crowded streets. Furthermore, he saw something under the windshield wiper that he first deemed to be a parking ticket, so he was now sure this was going to be a double shot of bad news to bring home to Dad.
When he looked at the paper on the windshield, he found that it was not a parking ticket (whew!) but rather a note from the person who clipped the mirror, claiming responsibility and providing contact information. He called the number and made arrangements with the young lady named Tracie (a Pitt student) to have the mirror fixed.
I got involved by sending a correspondence to the young lady. I was moved by this act of a young person taking responsibility for her actions, and doing the right thing. Often our vision of youth, or even our fellow man in general, is filled with examples of behavior which does not 'fess up to actions.
Her parents did a fantastic job of molding character and providing her with the qualities that make for a responsible and admired adult. I would hope that my son would respond just as she did, should a similar situation happen to him.
MICHAEL O'HARE
Allison Park
Talk about going the extra mile! Beth from Crafton did just that.
Last night we were at the Rivers Casino. After a fun evening we got in the car to go home and my husband's wallet was gone, with quite a bit of money in it. We went back in to see security and no one had turned it in.
We figured we lost it around 8 p.m. and now it was 11 p.m. After checking a few places where we had been, we went home, extremely upset.
When we arrived home there was a message on our machine looking for my husband. We returned the call, and to our amazement Beth from Crafton had found the wallet at around 8:30 p.m.
She was concerned about the amount of money, so instead of turning it in to security, she drove all the way to our home, not anywhere near where she lives, and put the wallet on the inside of the storm door.
Needless to say we were thrilled and Beth needs a huge thank you. Angels do exist!
PATTY GURCAK
Carrick
As I drove away from the car wash, I realized that the force of the water or washers forced both outdoor mirrors to the front. I could easily bend the left-side mirror back in place by rolling the window down and reaching out and grabbing it. The one on the right would need me to stop and get out. Therefore, I continued driving toward my next destination.
While sitting at a red light, I noticed a motorcyclist pull up next to my car. He was a young, good-looking man with helmet, leathers and a great smile.
He pulled my mirror back into place, and before I could roll down the window to say thanks he nodded and backed the bike behind me in line. What a sweet thing to do. It made my day. Thank you so much.
NANCY BATTILANA
Bethel Park
I am handicapped and use a scooter to get from the parking garage to PNC Park. At a Pirates game last year, I needed to use the facilities and someone was in both handicapped stalls (and I might add, not handicapped).
I went to a corner stall and a 9-year-old girl offered to hold the door open for me, but it wouldn't close tightly because the stall was too small for my scooter. She offered to stand by the door to permit me some privacy.
I was so taken with her kindness that I gave her a dollar bill. I went to wash my hands and that little girl came over to return the dollar. Her mom said she couldn't keep it.
I explained to the mom that no one else offered and her little girl took it upon herself to help me out, and she should be proud of her. She relented and allowed her daughter to keep the money, much to her joy.
Kids can be compassionate, too.
GERALDINE RYAN
Lawrenceville
First Published: April 15, 2010, 4:00 a.m.
