It was a beautiful morning. As I walked down Fifth Avenue in Oakland on my way to work, I was feeling inspired and happy to be alive. Then it happened.

I stepped on a stone, my ankle twisted, and I felt myself falling to the sidewalk. The next thing I knew, my sunglasses were hanging off my face, which was two inches from the sidewalk, and I felt pangs of pain in the palms of both hands and knees. Stunned, I tried to collect myself.

Seconds later I heard a deep voice ask if I was OK, and I saw a hand reach down to offer assistance. I gratefully accepted and as I stood up, I lied and said yes, that only my dignity was wounded. He asked again if I was OK and for a second time, I lied and said yes. Once he was reassured, he went on his way and I hobbled on to the office.

My thanks to this kind young man whose helping hand reminds me how lucky I am to live in Pittsburgh.

-- SHARON CROW,

Penn Hills

I agree with a previous writer to this column who said, "God has angels everywhere." An angel was driving his bright blue car on McKee Road approaching Oakdale the hot and humid afternoon of June 9.

My husband and I were returning from a doctor's appointment via McKee Road at the same time. Suddenly, we heard a big whoosh and my husband said, "Now that's a flat tire."

Fortunately we were able to get off the road at an open spot within 100 feet. I got out to take a look, and not only was the right rear tire flat, it had something that looked like a drill bit sticking out of it by at least four inches.

Before I had time to think of what to do next, the angel driving the blue car pulled into the same open place and asked if he could change the flat for me.

It took him hardly 10 minutes to get the jack and the small spare tire out of the trunk, jack up the car, change the tire and get the ruined tire and my husband's wheelchair back into the trunk. He even followed us to our destination to make sure we were all right.

My angel's name is Bob, and he said he was from Carnegie. Thank you, Bob, for being so very helpful when we needed it most, and God bless you.

-- AUDREY HORMEL, Oakdale

Leaving in plenty of time to make a birthday celebration of a dear friend, the road closure on Harts Run Road in the North Hills was an unexpected shock. The detour sign was confusing and directions from two local people (one a policeman) were not helpful.

Depression and nerves set in as time and miles passed. I was completely lost when this wonderful, lovely man in a gray Ford station wagon pulled alongside me. He said, "Lady, are you lost ?" Well, you can imagine how glad I was to see him.

When he heard about my wanderings, he said, "Just follow me and I will take you to your rendezvous at the St. Barnabas," a retirement community. What joy amid my nervous frustration.

After arriving at my destination and circling around, I did not see my friend who was to take me to The Pines restaurant for our get-together. It was now five minutes after one o'clock -- our meeting time at the restaurant. Sadness is now being added to my already nervous condition when alongside me appeared the gray Ford station wagon! Again, when the driver heard my plight, he told me to follow him. What a gentleman!

When we arrived at The Pines, he came alongside and said, "Lady, you should go in and order a good drink. You will feel better." I thanked him profusely and went in to join my friends -- only 15 minutes late.

It took a while after I was seated to collect myself, but when I did, I could not praise my new friend, Harry, enough. My wish is that all detoured, lost souls find a "Harry" along the way.

-- SUZIE CREIGHTON,

Fox Chapel