A Wyoming man trying to get to a Colorado hospital for a liver transplant needed a miracle.
A blizzard had closed the roads on Saturday afternoon and he still had about 175 miles to go before he could get to the University of Colorado Hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.
His miracle came in the form of a convoy of Wyoming Department of Transportation snowplows that gave him a personal escort to the state line in whiteout conditions.
Chuck Forbes got his transplant, and the WYDOT snowplow drivers and the folks at the Wyoming Highway Patrol deserve a round of applause for a good deed well done.
Forbes and his wife, Ruth, spoke to reporters Wednesday from the hospital in Aurora and thanked those who gave Forbes, 59, a second lease on life.
Ruth Forbes talked about getting to the Colorado border, where conditions weren’t quite as bad, but having just barely enough gas to reach the next filling station.
The trip, which ended with the couple reaching the hospital at 9:30 p.m., was a journey fueled by gumption and the kindness of strangers.
At a time when the news is dominated by bad economic reports and divisive politics, it’s heartening to hear a story that reinforces our belief in the better angels of our nature.
We wish Chuck Forbes the best in his recovery. And to the Wyoming public servants who extended a helping hand to a couple in need, a tip of the hat. You’ve done your state proud.
