A Restored Faith in Humanity

Amy and I park our relatively new car on the street with a neighborhood permit because monthly garage rates would almost equal our car payment. About a month ago on a rainy Saturday afternoon we went out to our car to run some errands in NJ (so I was already in a bad mood). When we got to the car we saw that the passenger side mirror had been swiped off and was in pieces in the street. Amy noticed it first and started to yell a string of expletives that would make Robert De Niro in Casino blush. I could feel my blood start to boil as I pictured my meager bank account getting smaller. Then I saw something on the windshield. A note! Could it be that the perpetrator of this heinous crime is going to own up to it?

Well not quite...

It reads:

"The #42 Bus took your mirror off and drove away. The time was 11:56. I witnessed it from across the street. Call me if I can help. Peter (last name) (phone number)."

Not only did Peter take the time to write this note but he also wrapped it in plastic to protect it from the rain.

We called the police to file a report. About 2 hours later an officer came by (I was actually expecting to wait much longer) and we filled out the necessary paperwork. He also took down Peter's name and phone number. A little bit after a SEPTA "cop" also came by and pretty much did the same thing.

We took the car to Rocco's Collision in South Philly and $235 and 2 days later we had a passenger side mirror again. Not too long after that SEPTA sent us a letter from their property damage department (this must happen often if they have dedicated staff for it) asking for more information, which we sent them along with the invoice from Rocco's. We weren't really expecting to hear anything more or get any money back. It was the word of this Peter guy against a transit organization that doesn't have a great reputation for always doing the right thing.

Well today we got another letter in the mail from SEPTA stating that they are willing to reimburse us for the $235 if we agree to not hold them liable for anything else regarding this incident (pretty much a settlement). Of course, we are fine with this and look forward to receiving a check!

I am just elated that this whole process worked out and not just for the money. Everyone did the right thing. Peter could have just decided to not get involved and go about his day. Instead he wrote a note, wrapped it up in plastic and went out in the rain to put it on my car all to put himself in a position to get annoying calls from the police/SEPTA asking him what he saw. Also, I am impressed with SEPTA for taking responsibility. I understand that two hundred bucks is hardly anything for them, but they could have just as easily ignored it.

We'd like to get Peter a little something for his good deed. Anyone have any suggestions?