Stranded motorist receives timely service

To the editor:

On Saturday evening, May 26th, I was leaving the Casey's store on Hwy 1 South when I heard a very polite voice say ?Excuse me, could you help me?? I looked over to see a stranded mother with a small child and an infant standing beside a car. I walked over and immediately saw the problem: the ?donut? tire on her car was literally off its wheel. She had obviously limped in from Hwy 34 and had barely made it to Casey?s.

I am from out of town so I had no clue who to even consider calling on a Saturday night, especially on a holiday weekend, to help her. I went back into Casey's and called a couple of numbers in the yellow pages, but just got answering machines. When a group of young men came into the store, I briefly described the dilemma and asked if they knew anyone I could call. Almost in unison they said ?Call Smithburg?s!?

As I dialed the number I silently prayed that I wouldn't get another answering machine. Much to my surprise (and sheer delight) not only did someone answer, but they also assured me they would send someone right out. Yay!

As we waited for the truck, I heard the most fascinating story from the young woman. She had come to the United States from a tiny country in Africa named Togo. She described the hardships and sufferings there, and talked about how wonder America is. She was thrilled to be here and was starting a new job in Ottumwa.

When the Smithburg truck and driver came, the situation was quickly assessed and taken care of. The very grateful mother was soon on her way, her two children beaming.

I can't say enough about Smithburg?s and Mr. Speas who came to her rescue (and mine!) on a swelteringly hot Saturday night of a holiday weekend! When I got to my mother's house and recounted the story, she asked me who had helped us. When I told her ?some company called Smithburgs? she replied, ?Oh, yes...they are very nice people.?

Indeed they are, mom..... Amen!

? Lu Ann Frisch, Coralville