I was going to write some pearls of wisdom about New Year’s resolutions, but truthfully, I possess no such pearls to impart.
Instead, I figured I’d start the year on a positive note and remark that Letterkenny Babies Facebook page received an overwhelming amount of appreciation posts over the festive period – tales of good deeds carried out between strangers in times of need. Here is one such example:
“I want to share my heartfelt gratitude for an incredibly kind stranger who helped me and my child during one of the most frightening moments of my life.
“My four year old little boy suffered a head injury. Our doctor told me to get him to A&E immediately, so we rushed up the road to Letterkenny. But on the way, my car suddenly broke down. I pulled in, bonnet open, completely overwhelmed, terrified, and my child had become unconscious. I was panicking, I couldn’t think straight, and I genuinely didn’t know what I was going to do.
“Then a wonderful man stopped after seeing my indicators. I believe his name was Liam McFadden from Ramelton, though I’m not fully sure, as it’s all a blur, but I hope I’m right.
It was on December 9 at approximately 10pm. He didn’t hesitate for a second. He and his son brought us to A&E without delay, and he even carried my child inside for me.
“In that moment, when I was scared and helpless, he stepped in and helped us like we were his own family. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without him.
“I also want him to know that my child is now 100 per cent okay. He did suffer a concussion, but all scans came back perfect. I am so grateful to be able to say that.
“It has taken me some time to write this because the last few weeks have been overwhelming, and I’m only now really processing everything that happened. But I needed to say thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
“I will never forget your kindness, your calmness, your compassion, and the way you and your son helped us when we needed it most.
“If you are that man, or if anyone knows him, please let him know how eternally grateful I am. You reminded me that there is still incredible goodness in this world, and because of you, I will always stop to help someone in need too. I can’t put into words how thankful and grateful I am that he stopped to help.”
So many people were delighted to read this story on the page, praising Liam and his son for being ‘Earth Angels’ and remarking that there is still plenty of kindness in the county; “There are so many good, decent people out there. Realistically, they outweigh the bad, although unfortunately it’s mostly the bad we hear about. It makes these posts a welcome read.”
In 2026, may we be met with such compassion in our time of need, should the case arise, and may we step up to help
others whenever and however we can.
