Letter: Donation to farmer during trying time a true gift

Many of you are aware of the devastating, wind-fed fire north of New England several weeks ago. It claimed hundreds of acres, tractors, hay bales and completely destroyed two farmsteads in its path.

The New England Fire Department, with help from surrounding towns, fought the fire well into the early morning hours. We are thankful no one lost their life.

As the fire approached Arnold Simon’s farmstead, his cattle were released to run free and away from the fire. His home, barn, tractors and all his possessions (an old pickup and metal building survived) were lost that fateful day.

With only the clothes on his back, that night his old pickup became his bed. I can only imagine what thoughts he had that night, about all the years he had lived there — 82 to be exact — before he hopefully drifted off to sleep.

All local and national news channels are full of heart-wrenching stories of evil people doing the devil’s work.

Now for the good news.

There are angels among us and one of them is Dan Porter of Dan Porter Motors of Dickinson. Thanks to his kind, compassionate heart, Simon only spent one night in his pickup. Why? Because Dan Porter delivered a camper to Arnold the very next day.

I’ve purchased several used vehicles from Dan Porter. The service they provide after a sale is second to none. He’s been a very successful businessman for many years and now I know why. He has angels on his side. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Bunny Held, New England

Tags: new england, dan porter, opinion, letter, letters