Editorial

Published as Michelle Estes
Editorial Column
South Missourian News, 7-18-2002
Thayer, MO

As I was reading the last week's issue of your paper, I ran across the article about Dr. Chris Cochran. I applaud this young man's family ties and his decision to return to his roots to practice medicine. I was impressed by his educational background and patient care philosophy. But, there is another facet of Dr. Cochran's character that I would like to address.

I teach in Thayer and live in Evening Shade, AR. I have an hour's drive each way and find this time very refreshing unless I have car trouble, which is what happened to me one day last fall.

I had a flat tire halfway between Ash Flat and Mammoth Spring on the Saddle Road....not a very well-traveled road at 6:45 in the morning. I got out of my vehicle and began to search for a house. This is when a pickup truck rounded the bend, immediately stopped, and a nice looking young man hopped out to see if he could help. He introduced himself as Chris Cochran--not Dr. Cochran--and offered me the use of his phone. After I had made a few calls and he ascertained where I was heading and why, he very graciously offered to take me to school in Thayer so I would not be late. And, that's exactly what he did.

I just wanted folks to know that there is a Good Samaritan out there on the roads, and his name is Chris Cochran. Thank you, Chris, and thanks to the Cochran's for raising such a fine young man.