To the editor:

Frequently, I find myself in awe of the richness of the life I lead here in Lawrence. I find myself dazzled by the kindness of our residents. The events I experienced in just one week reaffirmed my belief that Lawrence is the BEST place to live.

On a hot afternoon, I received a call from a friend who spotted my daughter’s stalled car on Sixth Street between Kentucky and Vermont. She recognized my very pregnant daughter and her son, who’s almost 1 year old. I stopped to see if they needed help. Maggie and her son were fine thanks to the kindness of strangers. Apparently, one car and a camper full of free-spirited travelers had stopped to help push the car out of the road. Another woman who had stopped and volunteered to go get a couple of gallons of gas was also assisting. She not only returned with the gas but had cool drinks for both Maggie and the baby. My help was not needed thanks to the generous kindness of these strangers.

Later, that same week, I lost my Palm Pilot. I retraced my steps and could not locate it. The next day I receive a call from a gentleman who had found it. Frank Hynes, graciously delivered it to my mailbox, with the cash still in it, and declined a reward.

Again, my life was made simpler and richer from the kindness of strangers. I will be paying it forward.

Thank you, my friendly Lawrencians!

Ann Beedles,

Lawrence