This is my first story but felt compelled to share...I work as a Trooper up here in the tundra of Maine. Fun job...sometimes boring...sometimes crazy. Sometimes though you get exposed to things that make you appreciate how hard life is for other people and how good you might have it. I will get to the meat and potatoes of my story as I'm writing this in my cruiser and don't know if I'll get a call.

I just pulled in behind a vehicle about 30 minutes ago that I thought was broken down northbound in Falmouth. As I pulled in behind the car I saw a mother holding a little girls hair back for her as she was throwing up in the grassy side of the median. I ran up to the mother and asked if there was anything I could do to help. Her mother explained to me that they were from Rockland and that they were returning home after her daughter's leukemia treatments in Maine Med. She said that the treatments make her sick quite a bit, especially while traveling in the car. The poor little thing, bout 7 years old just looked so ill.

After the girl was done being sick, I said "honey, I'm so sorry..is there something I can do for you?". Do you know what this little 7 year old said to me? She said, verbatim, "you can have a safe night!". Isn't that something? Big bad trooper had to pull over in the breakdown lane up the road and wipe his eyes. After all she's going through...Before the car left the side of the road the father got out and shook my hand and said "Happy Thanksgiving, Trooper! I hope you don't have to work the holiday!"

What an amazing family and an amazing little girl. I think my thanksgiving is going to be just fine now!!!