CDA: Home of happy helpers

Recently, I purchased a couple of sheets of plywood and several 2-by-4s at a local lumber yard. As I entered the intersection of Fourth and Lunceford, the bungee cord that secured the load in my pickup broke and everything slid out onto the street. I pulled over to the curb as did two other men in their respective vehicles. Then I saw a guy jump off his bike and another take off his backpack — all four ran over to help me.

All traffic stopped to allow us to enter the busy intersection to retrieve the scattered lumber. Not one horn sounded off. In a matter of a few seconds everything was back in my pickup as traffic began to move again. Seeing the situation from his own vehicle in an oncoming lane, another guy rolled down his window and shouted, “Here, use this,” as he tossed me a brand new bungee cord before he drove off.

I re-secured everything and shouted out a big, “Thank you” as all these guys returned to their respective vehicles, bike and backpack to resume their personal travels. One of the guys said he’d follow me home to make sure I made it. As I made it safely onto my driveway, I gave him a hand wave of thanks as he drove off.

This little event gave proof to the attitude of the locals here in Coeur d’Alene. I love living here!

GREG CHAPLESKI

Coeur d’Alene