Editors, Vineyard Gazette;

Martha’s Vineyard has always been a welcoming respite from the fast paced world. When I cross the Bourne Bridge, I feel the weight of most concerns wash away.

On Dec. 30, I drove from central New York to my Vineyard home. The journey was arduous due to intense fog and rain. I felt blessed when I was able to get on an earlier ferry and realize my travels would be over.

When the ferry docked in Vineyard Haven, I avoided the traffic by progressing to Skiff avenue to access the Edgartown/Vineyard Haven Road. Within minutes of driving down Skiff avenue, I realized my car was shaking and I stopped. To my dismay, I had a flat tire on the driver’s side. My mood immediately changed and I thought I’d cry. At that point I was extremely tired and felt very alone. Triple A was contacted and assured me I’d receive help in a few hours. 

Then, within five minutes, two good Samaritans stopped to assist me. Only on MV!

The first driver to stop was a young man and his girlfriend, but by the time they were able to find a place to park, Chris Wike, a project manager at South Mountain Company on the Island, was already on the case. He proceeded to check my manual, figure out how to access the tire (under the car) and then he changed the tire. What a New Year’s miracle.

I gave Chris my contact information and surprisingly, I received a text from him shortly after entering my condo. He offered me help should I need it while on-Island. Chris also mentioned that he was from upstate New York and had worked at Beaver Lake Nature Center, a facility 10 minutes away from my New York home. These are angels in disguise on this beautiful Island.

Diane Rock

Baldwinsville, N.Y.