Susie, George and others - Helpers in a Time of Need

The people of a small mountain community have touched my heart with their kindnesses.  I work as a hospice nurse – on call nights and weekends for the needs of our patients and their families.  A severe winter snow storm settled over our area this weekend.  In the basin we got about four inches of snow; the mountains, however, received well over twelve inches by Saturday morning and it was still snowing. 

I received a call early that morning from a family member of a patient reporting his death.  This family lives in a very small community deep in the mountains.  On a good day, I could make the trip in just under two hours.  With icy, snow-packed winding roads, traveling was strongly discouraged.  I made the trip in just over three hours.  I’d never been to this home before, so I called from the phone booth at the post office and a family member insisted upon coming to meet me and leading me to the home.  After waiting thirty minutes, I realized something must be wrong. 

A woman was shoveling snow from the steps of the post office and came over to my SUV asking if I was meeting someone there.  I explained the situation and she invited me into her home – she lived over the post office and was the post-mistress of the community.  She informed me the power was out and had candles lit for light.  After making a phone call and discovering the family member could not even get up the hill in their 4 wheel drive, Susie, the post-mistress immediately swung into action.  She and a young man named George got into their snow-suits and told me they’d lead me to the road and then carry me down to the patient’s home on their four-wheeler. 

That’s just what they did, too.  I pronounced the time of death, provided emotional comfort and support for the family and made the necessary notifications.  They had everything in order for a direct burial in the local cemetery.  They’d made their own coffin and it was being brought over from the community workshop. 

The snow started falling again and I was urged to get going so I could get down the mountain safely.  Upon leaving, I stranded my vehicle on a snow bank left by a snow plow which had just gone by.  Lucky for me, the pick-up truck carrying the casket happened by within minutes.  Accompanying the truck driver where two young men on four-wheelers.  With a tremendous amount of help, I got unstuck and was able to be on my way home. 

Talk about good people!  These folks went above and beyond the norm to help me get to and from my destination.  They offered hot drinks, a much needed bathroom break, and even a place to stay in the event I couldn’t get out.  Reminded me of the old time pioneers and I am ever so grateful for their many kindnesses and assistance. 

I spoke to the newly widowed spouse the next day.  She reported the burial went better than they expected, considering the weather.  She expressed amazement at the sheer number of her neighbors who came out in the freezing cold to attend the funeral.  Not surprising considering the caliber of people in this close-knit community.