On Friday night, a man named Justin renewed my faith in humanity.

My friend Dr. J and I had traveled up to Marysville for the All Ohio Balloon Festival. This adventure didn’t go as planned since poor weather conditions in the area had grounded the balloons which were the only reason we had driven a couple of hours to the event. Festival organizers knew when they took our money that the balloons were grounded and didn’t mention it.

We were disappointed by these unforeseen circumstances but felt cheated by event organizers who took our money knowing there was little reason to be there. I left knowing that I will not go back.

Dr J was driving and on the way home, her tire light came on so we stopped at a gas station to check the air in the tires. Justin agreed to help us and, when the air machine wasn’t working right, went with us to another gas station.

When it was determined the tire needed changed and my friend mentioned calling AAA, he said no way and changed it for us. It wasn’t easy either as he struggled to loosen a couple of lug nuts. He soldiered on until another good samaritan, a local fire and rescue employee, noticed his dilemma and stopped to offer some assistance.

I know little about Justin other than that he has a beautiful accent and eyes that sparkle when he smiles. He said that he is from a small place in South Africa and that he came to Central Ohio to be with family. He seemed knowledgeable about cars too and had that tire changed in a jiff once that last lug nut came off.

My friend gave him some cash as thanks for putting his evening on hold for us but he clearly felt uncomfortable taking it. I got the impression he simply wanted to help a fellow human in trouble.

After feeling taking advantage of at that event and in an age where people are so divided, Justin was like a much needed breath of fresh air.

I am grateful that we crossed paths.