Sycamore travelers salute volunteer repair crew

In the past, I’ve helped others out in a variety of ways, but Saturday night, Nov. 7, must have been payback day for me (at least 10- or 100-fold.)

We were in the Sterling/Rock Falls area for a volleyball game and had van problems. Yes, you say, everyone has car problems now and then. What’s so unusual?

First, our son is in a power wheelchair, so he has to be transported in a modified van.

Second, he is on a ventilator every night. The ventilator was in Sycamore.

Third, my wife broke her leg 3 weeks ago.

I hoped the problem was a radiator hose and, fortunately, found O’Reilly’s Auto Parts store, which was open. With the help of Jackson and Gary, the two employees, we quickly determined that it wasn’t a hose but a water pump.

Jackson took charge and started calling people he knew who might sacrifice their Saturday night plans to help some strangers. Then, the phone rang. Dale, one of the people who was called earlier, called back to check on whether they found anyone. Dale said if I didn’t mind that he worked on it in his driveway, he would do it. Jackson not only collected all the parts I would need, but gave me his home phone number in case we unexpectedly needed something else.

We drove a short distance to Dale’s home. Both he and his wife were concerned about my wife and son and how they would cope. They welcomed us to their house ... two people who were total strangers. It, however, was not accessible, and I explained that we would stay in the van.

Dale was great, very caring and concerned about us and got right to work. Soon after, Gary from the auto parts store showed up to make sure we found Dale’s place. Gary stayed around to lend a helping hand.

Dale finished near the time predicted, then made sure I had his number in case I had any more unexpected trouble on the way home. We arrived safe and secure about 1 a.m., much relived and tired, but home.

Those of you in the Sterling/Rock Falls area are fortunate to have such caring people in your midst.