On April 13, I was driving from North Carolina to Virginia Beach to visit with my parents who are not in the best of health.

While driving on Route 58 near Franklin, I had a flat tire and pulled off the road.

Since I was traveling along with no cell phone, I was faced with how to change a flat tire. I knew the concept but had never tried. I did find the spare tire and the car jack, but could not figure out how to use it. Many cars passed me, but one passed and not only wondered if I needed help, but turned around and asked if I needed help.

They were the nicest, most giving couple I have met in a very long time. This couple not only stopped to help but changed my tire for me, even though they were dressed and on their way to a meeting.

The wife was named Virginia; the husband is a minister and owns a barber shop in Franklin. The town of Franklin has much to be proud of to have such residents in their community. The only payment they would accept from me was for me to do the same for others, which I definitely will. They taught me a valuable lesson: We all need to slow down in our lives, be willing to be there for our fellow man and not just talk about it. Our lives will be that much richer.

Karen Lewis

Carolina Beach, N.C.