Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

 

I received an unexpected call Thursday afternoon from a man from out of town inquiring about a woman who was in a crash that morning near the intersection of Minnesota Highway 13 and Interstate 90.

He was at the Speedway gas station, northwest of the intersection, when he heard a loud sound of two vehicles colliding. Though he didn’t see the crash happen, he said he knew from the sound what had happened.

He saw another man at the gas station take off running toward the crash, and he quickly followed.

When he got there, he said, he helped the woman, whose car had collided with a semi, stay calm and stay awake until first responders arrived.

Talking to me on the phone that day, this man was undoubtedly still shaken from the events of earlier in the day. He said he had traveled to Montana and was on his way back home when the crash occurred.  Because of some events during his trip, he was there at that time that day. If things hadn’t happened like they did, he wouldn’t have been there.

He was relieved when I told him that the woman’s injuries were not life-threatening as I looked up the details of the crash on the Minnesota State Patrol’s website.

Upon talking to this man a little further, I found out this man was grateful to be placed in this woman’s path that day and to be able to help her in her time of need.

After I got off the phone, I couldn’t help but think back to the crash of my own daughter, Sophie, about 3 1/2 years ago and remember the people who I believe were placed in her path that day to help keep her calm and comforted until ambulance crews arrived. Sometimes it may seem like coincidences that we are in certain places at certain times, but I believe it’s the work of a higher power watching out for us.

I don’t know the names of everyone who was there for my daughter that day, but I will forever be grateful for them.

There’s no question that witnessing a crash like the one with my daughter or like the one on Highway 13 last week — that badly injures or even kills another person — can leave a mark on someone.

While I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, I can’t help but recognize the critical roles these bystanders played in both of these stories.

We may not need to play this big of a role — and it won’t always be a life or death situation. It could be as easy as a few kind words or a smile.

We never know when God will need to use us to help someone else — the question is, will we recognize when the time arises?

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Tuesday.