Blown Off of the Road in North Dakota: Stranded in the Snow

One bright, winter day we left Grand Forks Air Force Base for a drive into Grand Forks and a little shopping. It was a beautiful day and having the day to ourselves for lunch in town and a little shopping was a delight for both my husband and I.

Plans For A Fun Day

Lunch at a local restaurant was always fun. The food was good and it was great to enjoy time away from the base. Then shopping was on our minds as we left the restaurant for a few of our favorite shops. A glance at the sky changed our minds. The sky was no longer clear. The day was no longer bright and sunny. It was obvious that we should head back to the base before a winter storm began.

Plans Change

We no sooner got into the car than the snow began. The snowflakes quickly began to pile up on the snow already on the ground; about three feet of it. We had become accustomed to the fact that in this part of North Dakota when winter began any snow that fell just piled up on the ground. The snow that fell onto the road was quickly packed onto the surface of the road and became a thicker and thicker layer of ice.

We headed back on our usual back roads. The wind was picking up and the snow was falling faster; the flakes were big and heavy. We were out of town now and driving past familiar farms and fields. Soon we were on a part of the road with no visible farm buildings. The wind got very gusty and the snow began to swirl about our car causing visibility to be almost impossible. We were slowly moving along the familiar road with hopes of being on a more traveled road soon. But in a moment a very strong gust of wind blew our car across the icy road and into the field beside the road.

Stranded

We already had on boots, scarves, gloves and heavy coats so we got out of the car to see what we could do. We decided to try to push the car back onto the road surface. The wind pushed it off so we should be able to push it back onto the road. As we stepped to the front of the car the snow was both a problem and helpful. Being a short person the snow was above my knees and sort of helped to firm my stance. By husband was able to push higher and stronger while I added as much force as I could from a lower point on the body of the car. The car did respond and we were able to push the front of the vehicle onto the road; we moved to the back of the car and as we pushed again on the back of the car the front began to slowly slide back into the field. This was not good. The large, wet snowflakes were falling fast and heavy; the wind was very gusty and even with our heavy coats, boots, glove and scarves we were getting wet and cold. The car was off of the road completely again.

The Rescue

Wondrously a pickup truck with a man, his wife, and three sons approached and stopped. The man and his sons got out and without delay invited me to join the woman in the warm truck. The two men and three boys worked together and were able to push both the front and back of our car at the same time and soon our car was back on the road.

We were invited to follow the family's truck to their farm. We made our way safely to their farm where we were given dry sweats to put on while our wet clothes were dried. We were treated to homemade deer sausage, cheese and hot coffee and conversation while the storm passed.

Soon we were dry, warm and had our own clothes on again. We were so very grateful to this family of good Samaritans. They did not like to hear about being good Samaritans. They were uneasy with the thanks we offered. They would not accept and sort of payment offered. The family said that stopping and helping people in need was expected. They did not feel that they went out of their way; they just did what was right.

Grateful Trip Home

Our trip back to the base was filled with appreciation for this family and their assistance. Even though we knew they did not expect it or really want any token of appreciation we did send a small gift and card of thanks to this wonderful family.

We had helped others in similar, but much warmer, circumstances over the years. I remember feeling similar to the family that helped us. It was just the right thing to do. I know that God looks out for each of us; we must remember to look out for each other. We certainly did not expect such a welcome sight or such wonderful help on that snowy, cold day but we certainly were grateful.