Your view: Thanks for help

My son and I could not be more grateful for the kindness displayed in your community on the evening of April 4, during a driving rain storm.

During the two hours we were waylaid due to mechanical problems, B.J., the manager at Lambert's Restaurant (where we had a great meal before discovering our plight), Jerry of Satterfield Towing, Ken Cox at AutoZone, and his buddies Sam and another friend (who left their warm homes) could not have been more helpful. B.J. called ahead to AutoZone to be sure they were open and would find a mechanic to work on our van. Ken made several calls to find a mechanic who brought a co-worker for good measure. Jerry followed us in his truck to the door of AutoZone to make sure we arrived safely. Ken sold us some back-up parts in case we needed them before he closed the store (we can return them at a store in Kansas City). Sam gave us his home telephone number in case we had trouble after starting out again.

We felt like we had a whole committee dedicated to returning us safely on our way (to New Orleans to cheer for our beloved Jayhawks)! Yes, it's true. Right in the heart of Tiger Country, our van decorated in red and blue, wearing our KU clothes, these knowledgeable gentlemen were on a mission! We felt conspicuous and vulnerable until it became apparent that we had landed in a safety net of new friends.

We thank you from the bottom of our little Jayhawk hearts. We were truly in the right place at the right time! God bless you all.

Debbie Doud,

Kansas City