To the Editor,
We have been amazed at the consistent kindness and helpfulness of the people of Amherst whom we've encountered since taking up temporary residence here.
We left home on a Sunday morning, en route to a campsite on the South Shore of Nova Scotia when our truck broke down between Amherst and Springhill. We were towed to Bordertown GM in Amherst, in the driving rain that afternoon.
We stayed in the trailer and waited for the verdict on Monday - a replacement engine would take four or five days to arrive. In the meantime, Bordertown offered to provide us with temporary power and water, and one employee offered to tow the trailer with his own truck to a local campground. Rather than pack things up and move again, we decided to stay put. Another employee gave us his home phone and cell numbers with the instructions to "call if there's anything - anything - you need."
Staff at the Comfort Inn across the street let us add our stamped letters to their pile for postal pickup, and made fresh coffee and chatted with us as the rain poured outside on several evenings.
Even crossing the street here is a good experience. Cars stop even when we are well-back on the curb, waiting in the rain for a break in the traffic.
Walking out of Wendy's, a young family ahead didn't notice me behind them until the father let go of the door, and as I reached out to push it open, he jumped back to hold the door open for me, apologizing. A seemingly small gesture, but typical of the people we've found here.
Just this morning (Day 7, a scorcher, and hopefully the last full day of occupation) someone from Bordertown's sister operation, Tantramar Motors, was driving past, noticed us here and asked if we were actually staying in the trailer, and did we have air conditioning?
No? Do you have a fan? Would you like a second one?
We are truly grateful to the people we've encountered. You represent your town well.
Stan and Ann Balch,
Moncton
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