Angels Among Us

Listening to the news, it is easy to assume the worst in people. How often have you thought, What was he thinking? Or, What makes person do something like that?!

Heartwarming stories of kind, selfless people are few and far between.

I am happy to report that there are three such people walking among us. Strangers who put themselves on the line to help someone in need.

Last Friday night, my cousin Julie's 19-year-old son, Jacob, fell asleep at the wheel on the way home from the movies, and crashed head-on into a pole. I've only yet been able to speak with my cousin Jen (Julie's sister, Jacob's aunt) and this is my re-telling of her description of what happened that night.

Shortly after the crash, three people - Benjy on his Harley and Mary Ann and Lorena traveling together in Mary Ann's car - saw Jacob's Jeep as they passed by. And they all turned around and drove back to help.

Others didn't. Some slowed down, then sped away.  One man had stopped, but told Lorena he just couldn't help.

When Benjy, Mary Ann, and Lorena arrived, the Jeep was on fire. Jacob was leaning out the window, pleading with them to help him - telling them he, too, was on fire.

None of the doors would open. They tried bending the window frame, but couldn't get him through. From out of no where, Mary Ann handed Benji a knife and they were able to cut the seat belt, pulling Jacob out the window and free of the burning vehicle.

By then a police officer had arrived, and the four of them smothered the flames on Jacob. The vehicle eventually exploded and Jacob was airlifted to a burn center in Orlando.

Jacob has had a skin graft on his leg, and is scheduled for another graft on his arm tomorrow. He broke both sides of his jaw and therefore is wired.  He's making good progress with physical therapy, and by all accounts is in good spirits.

Jacob also got to meet all three of his "angels"! Last night, unplanned, Mary Ann and Lorena arrived at the hospital, only to find Benjy already there. I cannot imagine how Julie and Jacob - and Jacob's dad Doug and brother Cole - must have felt to meet the people who literally saved Jacob's life. What a gift.

You don't have to pull someone from a burning car in order to be an angel. Recognizing what someone needs and stepping in to help is all it takes. I'm sorry that this reminder came to me at Jacob's expense, but am grateful regardless.

Please keep Jacob, his family, and his "angels" in your thoughts.

If you'd like to send Jacob a word of encouragement, please visit his CarePage at http://www.carepages.com/carepages/jacobstover. Though he won't recognize your name, he'll recognize your kindness and good wishes.