Injured Woman Finds Spokane A Caring Place
In today’s tabloids-dominated world, it’s difficult not to be “sucked into” the belief that our world has disintegrated badly; that people are selfish, dissolute and evil. And, most certainly, not well-meaning and giving.
But I had an experience on July 20 that quickly taught me the city of Spokane is full of helpful, kind and caring people who willingly go out of their way to help someone else.
About 3 p.m., on this day, at 38th and Hatch, I was involved in a severe collision. Both the shock and the injuries were traumatic.
I still hear the sound of the impact. I do not remember getting out of my car, however I’ve been told it landed in someone’s front yard.
As an avid convertible driver, I wonder where I might have landed if it weren’t for my seat belt. I do remember lying on someone’s lawn. A beautiful younger woman - cellphone in hand - asked me if she could help me in any way. “Can I telephone someone for you?”
I gave her my husband’s name and our number, and asked her to please call 911 first.
Then a quiet, courteous, older gentleman brought me a damp towel to put on my blood-covered head. Even then, shaking and in shock, I knew what a compassionate thing he was doing.
On the way to the Sacred Heart emergency (room), the ambulance attendant, Kelly, went way beyond what was required of him. He held my shoulders still, so there would be no further injuries, and he talked softly to me. Somehow, he made me calmer and more comfortable.
At the emergency room, Dr. Steven Panoskovic put stitches in my head - just under the hairline - and the nurse very quietly and gently washed off all the blood. It may be hard to believe, but I do remember a sense of being almost cosseted.
Dr. Panoskovic teased me a little as he worked, and I know now that at one time, we both laughed. It helped to make me feel that I would be all right. That all was well.
These people have given me new faith in the goodness of people. Ordinary people. People who are not in the headlines. People who lead quiet, normal lives. And, most definitely, Spokane people.
I do believe God sent me guardian angels when I needed them so badly. Those are the ones I will always remember - with gratitude. And I wish them well.
MEMO: Your Turn is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion page. To submit a column for consideration, call Rebecca Nappi/459-5496, or Doug Floyd/459-5466.