THIS ISSUE: People helping others who are in trouble

OUR VIEW: Truck-driving hero reminds us how great people can be and why such stories should be shared



A stranger knocking on your door at 2 a.m. doesn't typically evoke gratitude.

But for Sharon Pastori, the stranger beating on her door in the middle of the night Dec. 7 was a godsend.

Waking from her slumber, Pastori discovered her Flanagan home engulfed in flames. She and her dog raced outside, unharmed thanks to the stranger on her doorstep.

The unidentified man was driving his truck on Route 116 heading to Pontiac when he noticed flames coming out of the roof of the home.

Rather than just driving right on by or simply calling 911 for emergency workers to handle the situation, he stopped his truck, ran to the front door and started banging. He clearly cared about the people inside — enough to do something about it.

When Pastori told the story to The Times, we were touched. We would have loved to interview this man, but it's quite possible he wouldn't want to be recognized.

Many good Samaritans do not wish to be in the spotlight. That's not why they help. They don't consider themselves heroes and shy away from anyone labeling them as one.They shrug off their actions and say it's something any human being would do.

Often times, however, that's not the case.

Earlier this month a woman was so touched by the acts of kindness she experienced throughout the year she had to write them down. Then she delivered her letter to this newspaper to share with readers.

We'd like to see more letters and hear from more readers about such events. It's the kind of story people need to hear. They brighten the day. They remind us that all news is not bad and good things happen every day. While it can't always be front-page news, we will find a place for it in The Times.

Early this month, the unknown truck driver likely saved the life of Pastori — a mother, sister and grandmother.

The Flanagan community also has stepped up to help one of their own by donating clothes, and an account has been established at Flanagan State Bank to help the Pastori family get back on their feet.

Pastori lost basically everything in her home in the fire, which appears to be electrical. And losing all your possessions just before Christmas has to be heartbreaking.

The good news, though, is Pastori is now able to spend the holidays with her family — thanks to an unknown truck driver who cared enough to stop.