My husband and I were in the “big city” most of the holiday season. Drivers were rude, shoppers had chips on their shoulders, people screamed at clerks and policemen were killed while drinking coffee.

When we got back home to Whidbey we had to go shopping for provisions no matter how tired we were. While leaving our last shop my 24-can case of Diet Coke fell apart in the Wal-Mart parking lot and cans went rolling everywhere. As I was on my knees trying to stuff as many cans as possible into my pockets, total strangers came to our rescue. Someone gave me a plastic bag and picked up some cans and one wonderful gentleman ran all over the parking lot chasing cans till they were all safely in the bag. I just kept saying “thank you, thank you” when I heard a quiet “you’re welcome” and all the helpers were gone on with their own errands.

I want to thank the kind strangers that took time out of their day to help. You reminded me of just why I love Whidbey and the Island people. There is no place like home!

Sharyn Mellors

Coupeville