Sometimes it’s so easy to be blinded by the problems, conflicts, and struggles unfolding around us in the world that we lose sight of the goodness that lives within us all, isn’t it? So often these days it seems that the darker side of our nature is the stronger side, and the one which drives way too many of the actions and events we sadly witness day to day.

But Aug. 2, I was privileged to witness a spontaneous outpouring of selfless kindness and compassion by the people of Warren which served to renew my faith that those “better angels of our nature” are indeed alive and well, and I wanted to thank all those involved for their actions.

As I was walking down Pennsylvania Avenue, I noticed a gentleman across the street who had stopped and was clutching his chest, and was clearly in some distress. I called over to him “Are you alright?” when a break in traffic permitted, and he shook his head. So I got over to him as quickly as I could, asked him what was wrong (“chest pain”) and asked if he wanted me to call 911. He nodded, handed me his phone (I didn’t have one with me right then), and I made the call.

First of all I must note that the 911 person was wonderfully helpful — efficiently gathered needed information, offered practical advice about what to do while waiting for the ambulances to arrive, and was very supportive. The ambulances arrived very quickly, and the medical personnel were excellent in every possible way. My sincere thanks to them all.

But what really struck me was the fact that scores of people quickly stopped and came over to offer their assistance as soon as they saw what was happening, and did everything possible to provide practical help and support. And many stayed until the medics had completed their initial evaluation and taken this gentleman to the hospital, indicating has was doing “OK” and would be further assessed and cared for there.

As I started walking away after all was said and done, I felt a tear dripping down my face — and I realized it was because I was so deeply touched by how these wonderful people of Warren who just happened to be in the area had so quickly come together and responded so magnificently — with such loving kindness, selflessness, and compassion, without giving it a second thought, and in whatever way they could under the circumstances.

My deepest thanks go out to you all. Even if you were there simply offering your quiet support, or helping to wave down the ambulances as they approached, or directly engaging with and offering support to this gentleman as we waited together — you answered the call, did your part, and did it really well. Thank you.

It was a truly humbling and uplifting reminder to see that we can and will come together to help each other when it really counts, and that all of those “differences” that can sometimes separate us can be put aside in an instant in such moments.

Warren can be both very proud and very thankful to have such wonderful people living here together. I sure am.

Dale E. Buonocore is a Warren resident.