Just when you think the last thread of humanity has dwindled away, five people stop mid-road to jump out and give a snow-stranded car a push.

This wasn’t the first time my little car got stuck over the past two weeks of slick roads, ice and slush. Each time strangers would stop what they were doing and lend their assistance. I would sit tucked behind the wheel, half embarrassed, half worried – but all-around thankful for the helping hand.

First, they would try pushing from the back. If that failed, they would try pushing from the front while I put the car in reverse. I learned quickly after the first time of spraying snow on a poor do-gooder, not to push the peddle to the floor. To break up the ice, I would gently apply gas and turn the wheel to the left and right to break up the ice. Eventually I would be on my way.

It was a familiar scene the day after Christmas, when I tried unsuccessfully to navigate my way into the Bellevue Reporter parking lot. I was almost to the top of a snow covered slope when my car got stuck. I sat for a brief moment in awe of my luck and lack of snow-driving skills.

My car was part-way on the road and all-the-way stuck. Not a good mix.

I stepped out to kick at the snow. I have to admit, I didn’t make very much progress. Before I knew it, an employee from the business behind the paper was jogging my way to help. After a few tries he ran back to his office to grab help from his co-worker. In the meantime, a passerby made an immediate U-turn, parked his SUV in the center of the road, and jumped out to come to my rescue. As he stepped out of his car, another driver followed suit.

With five people, 10 hands, and loads of determination, they began to push. My own co-workers began to make their way to the scene to help. It took a while but eventually they were able to guide my car to safety.

When my car was safely pushed into a parking space, I thanked the strangers and they drove off. I can’t help but smile at the kindness random strangers are willing to show all for a simple thank you. It goes to show that in the midst of a frustrating situation, good can still come when you least expect it.

Thank you to those who take the time to stop and lend a helping push.

Just when you think the last thread of humanity has dwindled away, five people stop mid-road to jump out and give a snow-stranded car a push.

This wasn’t the first time my little car got stuck over the past two weeks of slick roads, ice and slush. Each time strangers would stop what they were doing and lend their assistance. I would sit tucked behind the wheel, half embarrassed, half worried – but all-around thankful for the helping hand.

First, they would try pushing from the back. If that failed, they would try pushing from the front while I put the car in reverse. I learned quickly after the first time of spraying snow on a poor do-gooder, not to push the peddle to the floor. To break up the ice, I would gently apply gas and turn the wheel to the left and right to break up the ice. Eventually I would be on my way.

It was a familiar scene the day after Christmas, when I tried unsuccessfully to navigate my way into the Bellevue Reporter parking lot. I was almost to the top of a snow covered slope when my car got stuck. I sat for a brief moment in awe of my luck and lack of snow-driving skills.

My car was part-way on the road and all-the-way stuck. Not a good mix.

I stepped out to kick at the snow. I have to admit, I didn’t make very much progress. Before I knew it, an employee from the business behind the paper was jogging my way to help. After a few tries he ran back to his office to grab help from his co-worker. In the meantime, a passerby made an immediate U-turn, parked his SUV in the center of the road, and jumped out to come to my rescue. As he stepped out of his car, another driver followed suit.

With five people, 10 hands, and loads of determination, they began to push. My own co-workers began to make their way to the scene to help. It took a while but eventually they were able to guide my car to safety.

When my car was safely pushed into a parking space, I thanked the strangers and they drove off. I can’t help but smile at the kindness random strangers are willing to show all for a simple thank you. It goes to show that in the midst of a frustrating situation, good can still come when you least expect it.

Thank you to those who take the time to stop and lend a helping push.