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Editor's note: Anonymous Thank Yous is a website that allows people to submit notes of gratitude to strangers who anonymously gave service. Michael McCarlie, its founder, contributes every other Wednesday. SALT LAKE CITY — Dennis shared a story with anonymousthankyous.com that not only changed his life but saved it. This is what he said:
“It was the day after Thanksgiving in 1988. I had just lost my wife to cancer. I was 33 at the time and she was just 40 days short of her 35th birthday. I was driving back to work on that November afternoon intoxicated.
“I had developed a horrendous addiction to alcohol. It was my way of dealing with what was going on in my life. While I was driving, I blacked out. I remember very little but I do remember running into the back of a large SUV.
“I woke up in the ER some time later, and the doctor was there with a South Salt Lake policeman that the doctor introduced as the arresting officer. The officer explained that he was not going to take me into custody but was instead going to strongly suggest that I seek treatment for my alcoholism.
“I did.
“As of this date I am now 26 years sober. The kindness of this officer led me to believe that there was hope. Had I been incarcerated, I deeply believe that I would have given up hope and would doubtless be long dead by now. I have since tried to find Officer Smith and present him with one of my AA chips as a token of gratitude.
“To date I have not found him.”
Anonymous Thank Yous: Have you ever wanted to say thank you for something a stranger did? Tell us your story at anonymousthankyous.com or follow along at Facebook and Twitter.
