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Grateful for the Kindness

The trip to the annual budget meeting was full of surprises: an overflow crowd at the Community Center, evacuation of attendees, transfer of meeting to Guilford High School, a journey over winding roads at night, arrival at the city limits of the new high school fully illuminated, the confusion of townspeople who had never venture into this school, the quest for the auditorium within three floors of an intimidating building.

My husband and I were among the last to arrive. I entered the building, hoping to find the auditorium quickly, then return to the entrance for my husband. However, I realized I had no idea how to locate the auditorium. Linda Trudeau, the school business manager, came to my assistance. She led me to the elevator, took me to the floor below, and pointed out the auditorium entrance. Again on the upper floor, Linda beckoned my husband, entering the building with his cane, to join us. Linda took us downstairs, where we were ushered into the auditorium and led to seats for the meeting.

During our adventure, many more school employees helped us, gave directions, and cheered us on: Sal, Scott, others unfortunately unnamed by me, and one tall man named Charlie. We are profoundly grateful for the great concern for our welfare and the kindness extended to us by gracious employees on an unusual night.

A word about the tall man: After the meeting, Charlie offered to drive me to our vehicle and lead me to the front entrance, where Harold waited. As I approached the door of Charlie's truck, I read, "Department of Fire Services." "You work for the fire department?" — "Yes, I'm the chief." In the years that I have lived in Guilford, I had never met this kind, gentlemanly, superlative man — Charles Herrschaft.

Judith Andrews

Guilford