When it matters, good people do good things.

    On March 17, I got a call from my 21-year-old daughter a little after 3 in the afternoon. She’s very independent, so when her tears were obvious while she spoke I knew she was afraid.

    She travels from Brookhaven to Birmingham alone often to her cystic fibrosis doctor. When she had a blowout though, she realized that being alone on the side of the interstate creates new environment. She called me and we had the normal conversation you would expect between a daughter and her father. She thought she could change the tire with a little coaching. The next week, though, she was to go back to Birmingham for a few days’ stay at UAB for a treatment we call “tune-ups”, and in the big scheme of things getting help seemed to be the better choice. But I was three hours away.

    I have wonderful friends in Meridian, Mitch and Ann Malone. I immediately called Mitch who happened to be in Louisiana. He said he would try to find somebody though, and call me back. I also know Nelson Hall because I’ve been in the car business my whole life. I didn’t know if he was still active in the dealership but I also have a friend there name Bubba Chatham. Bubba and I are friends, but until now I would describe the relationship more as acquaintances. I’ve seen Bubba no more than two or three times in my life. I did have his cell number because a couple of years ago he bought a few cars from me.

    So I called and got no answer. That’s not unusual. It’s pretty well understood in the car business and probably most other that if somebody is busy they’re not going to answer. But my daughter was 34 miles on the east side of Meridian alone on the side of the I-20, so I sent Bubba a text. I don’t know exactly what I wrote, but it was something like this: “Bubba, this is Ricky Salyer. My 21-year-old daughter is on the side of I-20 and needs help, etc.” It seemed like I had barely hit send when Bubba called. I briefly explained the situation, gave him her cell number and we hung up.

    Before I could call Laura Leigh – my daughter – back my phone rang. It was Ann Malone. She asked where Laura Leigh was and told me she was going to go. I quickly shared that Bubba was handling it. And then for a few seconds in a strained hour or so of time my emotions changed several times. I jokingly asked Ann if she was going to go change the tire. Her response? “No, I’m going to stay with Laura Leigh until we get it handled somehow.” I went from deep concern to amusement to humility in those few seconds. Ann and Mitch has already gone the extra miles because they were willing to do whatever it took and step one was to make sure my daughter was safe.

    By the time I called Laura Leigh back, Bubba had already talked to her. He stopped what he was doing, got Darrell Spencer to go with him, and in what seemed like no more than half an hour traveled the 34 miles east to where my daughter was. They made sure she was safe, changed the tire and she was on her way again.

    Seems simple doesn’t it? But if it was your daughter would it seem that way? I’m not ashamed to say that when it was over I sat and cried. Tears of happiness that my daughter was ok, and tears of gratitude that there are truly good people out there. In times of need many still stand tall.

    So thank you Mitch, Ann, Darrell and Bubba. You paid it forward. You proved your character. You opened your hearts. You were true friends. You helped a young lady, made her daddy cry, and asked for nothing in return. You exemplified the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:41. You quietly went out of your way without desire for recognition, and you solidified faith in good people. Thank you.

Ricky Salyer