When Trooper Doty pulled over Ashlye Wilkerson for speeding, he had no idea of the powerful moment he was about to create. Wilkerson’s father, Anthony Geddis, informed the officer that she was bringing him back from cancer treatment.
As Doty returned to his patrol car, he was reminded of a vow he made to himself during recovery from ulcerative colitis. He promised that if he could help one person get through an illness, he would. He knew he could not write Wilkerson a ticket and took a few moments to compose himself. He asked Geddis what kind of cancer he had and asked if he could pray for him. Geddis welcomed the prayers, and afterward, Doty gave him a silver cross to remind him that someone else was praying for him. Wilkerson received a warning.
“I said that if I could touch one person or help somebody get through their illness, I would do it,” the Trooper said.
“At that time I knew there is no way I’m writing this lady a ticket,” Doty said, according to WSOC-TV. “I had to sit in (my car) for a while just to compose myself to figure out what to say when I went back.”
Meanwhile, Wilkerson and her father were wondering what was taking the trooper “such a long time.”
“Gosh, what’s taking him such a long time?” Wilkerson told her father. “I wonder what’s going on.”
After Doty composed himself, he asked Wilerson what kind of cancer he had.
“Sir, do you mind if I ask what kind of cancer you have?” Doty said.
“No, I don’t mind. I have colon cancer,” Geddis replied.
“Can I pray for you?” Doty said.
“Of course,” Geddis said. “I absolutely believe in prayer.”
The man grabbed Doty’s hand, and they prayed as Wilkerson took a picture.
Just two months later, Geddis passed away. Wilkerson wrote a post about her father and Doty, which quickly went viral. The story has since been an inspiration to thousands and a reminder of the power of a single, meaningful moment.
Doty himself said he was not worthy of all the attention, but rather that it was about Wilkerson grieving her father. Wilkerson said she would never forget the moment between her father and Trooper Doty. It was a powerful reminder of the impact a single moment can have on a person’s life.
“When he came back, he asked you if he heard correctly that you had cancer. Once you confirmed, the officer took a deep breath. He sighed and said that he too had loved ones who battled cancer as well. He asked if he could pray with you. You welcomed the prayers with gratitude and informed him that you’re a deacon of your church. You proudly shared your love for Christ and your belief that God’s will would be done. When you all were done, there was a small silver cross that he placed in your hand for you to keep with you as a symbol of your faith,” she wrote.
In a world that is often filled with negativity, it is heartwarming to see how a simple gesture of kindness can have such a powerful effect. Trooper Doty’s actions were an example of how a small act of selflessness can make a huge difference in someone’s life. His story is a reminder that even in the darkest of moments, there is still hope and kindness.
“I’m not worthy of any of this,” Doty said, according to WSOC-TV. “This is about Mrs. Wilkerson grieving her father.”
