Greg Fulton: A lesson in paying it back learned in Myton, Utah

Myton, Utah, is a speck on the map that one may not even notice with the exception that it sits along US 40. There’s nothing really special about this small town except its people. The town is like many rural communities where farming and ranching dominate the economy and where proud generations have worked hard to eke out a living.

While Myton may not appear like much, it was an oasis in the middle of a desert for me in the summer of 1975 providing salvation in a time of need.

A lot has been said about “paying it forward.” It’s very commendable. I might suggest though we consider “paying it back” and remembering those who have been there during a difficult time.

This year, for me, “paying it back”, will be a contribution to a charity serving Myton for a random act of kindness to two strangers. It won’t be huge, but I hope it helps in some small way.

Even though it was 45 years ago, I still am drawn back to that August evening when my friend and I were on US 40 traveling from Salt Lake City to Denver. It wasn’t our intention to be on that highway that night. We originally sought to move from Pennsylvania to California. In the mid-1970s, California was viewed as the land of opportunity, optimism, beaches, and sunshine.

Unfortunately, we shortly discovered that unemployment in California was higher and the cost of living much greater than expected, and we decided to move on to Denver.

We were traveling late at night on US 40 when trouble struck in the form of a large rock on the highway. At first, we felt that we survived without damage, only to see the fuel gauge rapidly drop. As the clock neared midnight, much like Cinderella’s carriage became a pumpkin, we quickly realized that our Pontiac was turning into a giant paperweight.

Fortunately, a Utah Highway Patrol officer stopped and called for a tow truck. The truck arrived and we found ourselves being towed to Myton. Upon reaching town, the tow truck driver, who doubled as a mechanic, conducted a quick check and found a punctured fuel tank.

While Cinderella’s magic ended at midnight, ours began then. First, the mechanic noted he could repair the tank and kindly offered to work through the night so we could be on our way early. Being strangers and having repairs done in the wee hours, we braced for the worst. A large repair bill would eliminate almost all of our remaining funds.

Instead, the mechanic, understanding our plight, charged an amount significantly below the normal cost. In addition, realizing that we had no place to stay, he offered us his family’s camper for the night. In the morning as a final gesture of kindness, the mechanic invited us to have breakfast with his family. We didn’t stay because we felt we already had imposed too much.

I remember driving away from Myton with a sense of gratitude. It had restored my faith in people that had begun to wane while on the road. That someone would go out of their way to help total strangers and seek little in return, made me realize the goodness that exists in our country.

All of us have a Myton in our past where someone has helped us. I encourage you to “pay it back” whether a check or even a note of thanks. Hopefully, my contribution will help, but more importantly, let Myton know my appreciation to someone “paying it forward” many years ago.

Greg Fulton, Denver, is the president of the Colorado Motor Carriers Association.