On Monday, March 1, I decided to venture outside. After a long illness and a case of cabin fever, I decided to get a haircut at a place right up the street from my home. I felt strong enough to stop at S&T Bank in Penn Hills, which is a short distance away, to get a check cashed. Seeing the friendly faces of the bank employees, I thought, would give me a boost.

After putting cash in my wallet, I found myself swaying to the right. I hung on to the counter because I began to feel dizzy. I tried to compose myself, but to no avail. A senior gentleman was standing at the counter to my left. As I tried to walk around him to leave, I fell right on him and almost knocked him over. He literally held me up.

After I apologized, he and a cashier insisted I sit down. I placed my head between my knees and another employee rushed over with a glass of water and asked if I was OK. The cashier was genuinely concerned and took the time to ask me what I thought was happening.

After explaining that I am still too weak, she offered to drive me home. I thanked her and told her she was a guardian angel. She knows who she is and I am forever grateful.

When I am a little stronger, the least I could do is deliver them some doughnuts.

MARY HELEN HOUGH, Penn Hills

On Friday, Feb. 5, having been reassured by the news reports of how prepared the road crews were for the upcoming snowstorm, I assumed all the major roads would be safe enough to go Downtown for the Pittsburgh Symphony concert. Actually, the travel both ways was all right, until I reached the Squirrel Hill exit on the way home.

At the exit, some cars were stopped ahead of me. One car was backing up. For a moment I thought they were trying to get back onto the Parkway, and I wondered if there was a problem at the exit. It turned out they were just using a wider path to the exit. When I tried to follow, I stalled twice and found myself stuck in one of the ruts.

By then, I noticed that the car which had been backing up was pushing another car, which had been stopped off to the right side of the exit.

Then, instead of following that car, he backed up again. Meanwhile, I was stuck!

Suddenly, I noticed that the other car was to my right. I lowered the window and he said, "I'm going to get behind you and push you." I was amazed! Sure enough, it worked and I was on my way. I opened my window and tried to give a wave -- hoping that he saw it.

I have no idea if he was staying there and helping others, or whether he just happened to be there at that moment and helped the two of us.

But, what an amazing thing to do. I'm extremely grateful.

SHERRY ROSENBAUM, Squirrel Hill

For most people, the afternoon of Feb. 9 was just another cold, snowy day during the long Pittsburgh winter of 2010. For me, it was an afternoon that changed my life. If it weren't for the heroic efforts of many, I would not be here today, able to write this message of gratitude and thanks.

It began as a quick trip to run an errand. Within minutes, it turned tragic. While traveling along Route 88, a medical emergency rendered me unconscious, causing my vehicle to run off the road and ultimately crash into a building.

I have many people to thank:

• The first responders. Without your quick aid and rescue, I would not be getting this "second chance" at life.

• The employees and customers, especially Ed, who heard the impact and immediately came to my vehicle. They found me unconscious, the car engine still running and my foot on the accelerator. Thank you for disabling the vehicle, which prevented any further danger to me and those around.

• The volunteer Library fireman who happened to be driving past. He immediately removed me from my vehicle and initiated CPR.

• The South Park Police. They possessed a defibrillator, which was quickly used to restart my heart.

• The paramedics who provided quick transport and initiated mitigation efforts to help reduce further damage.

I have had the pleasure to speak with some of you who were first responders on that day. Your humbled responses exemplify your professionalism, dedication and good citizenship.

I was and continue to be reminded by the staff at St. Clair Hospital, friends and my family that I am a "very lucky guy." Why am I a lucky guy? It is because of all you who went above and beyond. I am eternally grateful.

-- BILL WHITMER, South Park

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