One kind word or deed can change someone’s entire day!

I went for a bike ride Sunday up Bridge Avenue to the Danish statue and fountains, my favorite spot in Albert Lea.

I sat on the park bench for a little while watching the walkers, the ducks — many young ones — and just enjoying the beautiful evening. Then I decided to head for home because it looked suspicious for rain.

When I reached the parking lot of Nancy Vanderwaerdt State Farm Insurance, I decided to get off and walk my bike up the steep hill part of the sidewalk there. I lost my balance getting off and landed hard on the cement, pulling my bike over my poor body. That was not a pretty sight on a busy intersection.

A couple of strangers saw it happen and pulled into the area offering help, and I really needed help. Their names were Kevin and Julie. He straightened out my bike. Julie offered me her cellphone and gave me clean napkins to wipe my knee and elbow and bleeding parts! They stayed with me until friends came with a pickup to load up me and my bike. I was too shook up to ride home.

In the words of TV’s Gomer Pyle, “Thank you, thank you, thank you” to Julie and Kevin, Carol and Ken, and their friends with the pickup.

It is truly a blessing to live in Albert Lea where kindness abounds. I was so grateful. I will pay it forward.

 

Judy Menssen

Albert Lea