Pickup in the Rain One night, at 11:30 pm, an older African-American woman was standing
on the side of a Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken
down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next
car. A young white man stopped to help her - generally unheard of in those conflict-filled
1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxi cab.
She seemed to be in a big hurry! She wrote down his address, thanked him and drove away.
Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant
combination console color TV and stereo record player were delivered to his home. A
special note was attached. The note read: Dear Mr. James: Thank you so much for assisting
me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes but my spirits.
Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside
just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.
Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.
