Reader's Forum: Monday, May 12

May 10, 2008 04:22 pm

— There really was an angel among us
I am writing to tell about two wonderful things Darrell Summerlot did on Friday, April 11. His day I hear started very early — 12:15 a.m. to be exact was his first encounter to help save two lives. He told me he was driving home down Wabash Avenue when he noticed the roof of Hillary Clinton’s headquarters on Third Street on fire. He immediately made a U-turn, jumped out of his car, and kicked the door of the building open.
There were two girls working inside and they were not aware the building was on fire. He told them to hurry and get out before the roof caved in. They made it out within seconds of the roof finally giving way. When I read in the paper about the fire, it was never mentioned that Darrell Summerlot had disregarded his own safety to make sure he got anyone in the building out safely.
Later that day, I was involved in a traffic accident. A car hit me from behind during rush-hour traffic at the intersection of Third and Hulman Streets. I got out of the car after hearing glass and metal crunching around me. Darrell Summerlot happened to be going the opposite way, but seeing the collision, stopped his car immediately and jumped out of his van and asked if I was OK. There were so many cars around I didn’t even know if I should move. He told me to get back in my car and he would stop traffic so I could get out of the intersection.
Now, I was worried that he might get hit and hurt himself. He took total control of the situation by letting me and the other car and its occupants get to a safe parking area. He stayed with me to make sure the accident information was given to the police officer that came to the scene.
I am so grateful and thankful that he was in the right place at the right time when this happened to me. How many people will get involved anymore to help someone out? He evidently has been brought up to help and think of others before himself. I was shaken by the accident and was glad he took the time to make sure I was OK. He told me his day hadn’t gone too well either and then explained about the fire.
I was in awe at how selfless he was in doing what he could do to help all of us. I always read how people after accidents forget to get the name of the person who helped them, so I wanted to make sure I got his name so I could honor him and thank him for being who and what he is. His parents have to be proud of their son. I know I am.
Thanks so much, Darrell, for being an angel that day to all of us. We were truly blessed by your thoughtfulness.
— Sharon Brown
Terre Haute