PASSENGER: A wondrous visit

The other day I picked up a hitchhiker. I know … not smart. I haven’t picked up a hitchhiker for at least 20 years and for some reason I stopped. It was cold and he really looked cold.

Anyway, I was on my way to Post Falls to get my mom’s dog to take to the groomer and there he was on Hayden Avenue. I asked where he was going and he said Rathdrum. I told him I could take him as far as Highway 41 (3 or 4 miles). He was very appreciative. Once he got into the car, I knew exactly why I stopped. This young man brightened my day so much. He was disabled in that he had problems his entire life and hadn’t begun to walk until he was 5. He hadn’t spoken until he was 19.

His fiance had locked herself out of her house in Rathdrum and he had a spare key. He was going to walk the 10 miles just to help her. He said they had been sweethearts since sixth grade. He asked my name and when I told him, a great big smile crossed his face and he said, that is my mom’s name! He told me how he had extensive physical therapy on his legs because of his childhood trauma. As you can tell, he talked a lot. He was like me.

He then said, “I notice you have a handicap. What is it?” I told him my story and he told me his.

We got to Highway 41 and he pointed to the red barn down by Zip’s and said that was where he was headed. I looked at the clock — I was already late but — I still turned toward Rathdrum just to make sure he got there in time.

I believe God told me to stop and pick him up. It is an experience I will not soon forget. Thank you Steven Michael for your wonderful blessing of being my favorite hitchhiker. God bless you.

KATHY SCHNELL

Hayden