Tasked with writing a letter expressing gratitude to someone who changed their lives but whom they never thanked, my students had a project for Thanksgiving to write the letter of gratitude and to surprise the person they were thanking by reading the letter aloud to them. Today it seems appropriate to express my gratitude to the total stranger in Germany who came to our aid one cold November afternoon.
Dear Guardian Angel/Schutzengel in Neresheim,
During my first Fulbright year teaching in Neresheim, Germany, I was on my drive home up the hill past the monastery with my two children in tow. We had just been to the doctor and had picked up medicine. I thought it odd that cars were off both sides of the road with people standing outside them. When I approached the top of the hill, the car came to a stop. Only then did I realize that I was driving on sheer ice. The day had been overcast, and by afternoon, the fog and mist caused the road to freeze. Major highways were sanded near the town, but no salt was used on streets.
I applied the brakes and thought over quickly what I was going to do. I could not drive up the hill, but backing down the hill didn’t seem a good option either. Was I to spend the night in the town and try to drive home the next morning? When I decided to back down the hill, I glanced in the rear view mirror and almost jumped out of my seat. I saw a man’s face. He came around to the driver’s side, and I quickly explained that my children were sick, and I was trying to get them home from the doctor’s. But where did he come from?
This perfect stranger told me to drive ahead up the hill while he pushed the car at the same time. It was miraculous how this maneuver worked. Just when I had gone over the top of the hill and wanted to stop to thank this man for his kindness, he simply motioned for me to drive on and not stop. All I could do was shout out Danke (thanks) to the man as I drove home.
Today, I want to personally express my gratitude to this man for helping us in our hour of need. I have never forgotten him and truly appreciate his kindness. Although I realize he can’t listen as I read my letter of gratitude to him, I think he must know in his heart. So today I want to thank him for his good deed. Vielen Herzlichen Dank!
With a grateful heart,
Dr. Mary Ann Niemczura
Fulbright Exchange Teacher to Neresheim, Germany 1990-91
There are guardian angels everywhere.
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Darlene, thank you for your comment. I believe you are correct that guardian angels are everywhere. Proof positive in my letter of gratitude. Enjoy your weekend!
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Such a wonderful challenge for your students, Mary Ann… Your gratitude letter is lovey. Thanks for inspiring us to to take up your challenge.
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Bette, thank you one thousand times over. It proved a wonderful exercise for them too. Speaking from the heart seemed to inspire my students as well. If only I knew the true identity of this guardian angel in our hour of need! One day… Enjoy your weekend. Brace yourself for the snow! oxox
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First substantial snowfall arrived Thanksgiving Eve… More on the way this week! Oh, well, it’s Maine and it’s winter. Stay warm and enjoy all the festivities of Christmas and the coming New Year! ❤ Hugs. xx
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You will be ahead of us with snowfall totals. We’re anticipating up to a foot Sun.-Mon. Hope to stay warm as we celebrate the Advent season. Blessings and peace to you and yours. oxoxox
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Wow! What a story! Thanks for sharing it.
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Anne, thank you for your comment. It’s as if it were just yesterday! The memory is so vivid. May you have a peaceful weekend. oxox
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A beautiful letter of gratitude … and a touching true story of help from a stranger! Precious moments in life!😀
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Annika, thank you for your kind comment. This angel touched our lives and left behind vivid memories. I hope your weekend is wonderful. Happy Advent season! oxox
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It was truly a miracle that happened to you on that icy road in Germany. To this day, you feel thankful for this unknown stranger. A wonderful story, Mary Ann!
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Peter, very perceptive of you as you read the story. Yes, truly a miracle. Thank you so much. This stranger became our guardian angel in our hour of need. There are many angels among us in life! Happy Advent season! “”__””
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What a kind man – a true guardian angel!
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Clare, yes, he was very kind and a true guardian angel as you aptly mentioned. Thank you for the wonderful comment. It is refreshing to know that there are angels among us. Have a good Sunday and week ahead. Enjoy the Advent season.
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Thank you very much, Mary Ann and I hope you do, too.
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Thank you too. oxox
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Oh, my goodness! I can imagine the scene you describe; the icy road. In fact, I know it quite well, I’ve driven on; it is scary to say the least. That kind stranger was god-sent. I hope through some miracle or coincidence, he finds and reads your beautiful and touching letter of gratitude one day.
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Khaya, thank you for your heartfelt comment. Icy roads are to be avoided at all costs – except the one I was on trying to get sick children back home. I have often hoped and wondered if this kind stranger or a friend of his finds my letter. Thank you once again for your kind words. This world needs more kind strangers! “”__””
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