The Kindness of a Stranger. To Ellen.

This is to Ellen. Ellen, if you ever come across this, thank you.

It has been roughly 9 months since my accident on January 25th, 2022. The horrific night that led to me breaking my arm, a result from a car accident. The scariest night of my life, but yet made me more humble than I could ever imagine.

I was going to write something to you, Ellen, months ago, but it has taken me some time to have the courage to speak about it, until now.

Around 7:30 p.m. on January 25th, I found myself screaming in the middle of a road, watching cars pass me left and right, not stopping. At least 10 cars drove around me, while I yelled, “Help Me! Please! My arm is broken!”. I was petrified. My air bag broke my right arm, and the front of my car was totaled. I did not know what to do. I called my boyfriend Nick, immediately, and then my Mom.

I sat down on the street against the side of my car when an angel named Ellen appeared. I had my name badge on from work, since that's where I was coming from. She read my name tag, addressed me by my name, asked me questions, patted me on the face and kept me alert, while I was feeling the worst pain of my life. She talked to me about herself and said she was on the way to the homeless shelter to feed people. I will always remember that. She was so selfless and kind.

My parents called me on the phone afterward and she spoke to them. Gave them information and sat by my side until the police and my parents showed. That night was a bit of a blur, but I still remember her face so clearly.

Ellen, you were my guardian angel that night. I felt like I had lost faith in humanity, but you stopped for me, you helped me, and you were there for me when you didn't even know me.

I will always be indebted to her, and I don't even know her.

To this world, be an Ellen. Help someone who is in need, and never forget that you could someday be a guardian angel to another person that you don't even know.

Thank you to Ellen, the kindness of a stranger.

Love always, Mel.