Knight-er-rant
It’s not that I walk around looking for damsels in distress, but it has been my privilege to be in the right place at the right time. Even without thanks I still consider it a privilege. Having just finished a course in first aid at the St John’s Ambulance Brigade, I was walking along when a woman suddenly started screaming. Never one to run from conflict I went to her in order to ascertain the problem, which became apparent on my arrival. A girl child was literally blue in the face and choking.
“What happened?” I yelled at the panicked woman. “She swallowed a candy,” Was the reply. As quick as a wink I whipped up the little mite suspending her head downwards and gently tapped her back, with no effect. Desperately I placed her across my knee, swithching tactics in accordance with my first aid training and PoP, out came the candy. Mom snatched her from me plopped her in the buggy and marched off weeping. Oh well, a good deed is a good deed. Another time minding my own business I walked along the banks of Crook’s Hollow, a common public picnic spot in the old days. Suddenly I spotted a tiny hand emerge from the water, and then disappear again. I stopped and watched, somewhat puzzled by the event. Two little hands flashed to the surface and splashed momentarily then disappeared beneath the water again. Obviously someone was drowning. Without even removing my shiny armour I leapt into the water and in seconds found a submerged and highly panicked young girl. I dragged her to the shore and lifted her out. A gentleman who I took to be her father admonished me for manhandling his little girl then dragging her off still choking, and he mumbled something about people minding their own business. Oh well, maybe you can collect points for the after life. Being observant I spotted this elderly woman on one of our busiest streets. She was deep in contemplation and not paying heed to the traffic. A distracted driver looking the wrong way and a mindless senior is not a good combination. Quick as a flash I saw what could be a terrible outcome and right before my eyes. Again with shining armour and the added strength of adrenaline I leapt into the street grabbed the woman and both of us made it to safety. “Oh dear, I really should be more careful,” she said and continued on her thoughtless way. Another day a very pretty young woman from Iran was lost and asked me the way. I gave directions stating that I myself was heading in that direction. She seemed agitated and somewhat annoyed at something. The walk light was at red, but still without thought she stepped into the traffic. Somehow I grabbed her and stopped a very nasty incident. Now I keep my armour polished as I smile. She thanked me for saving her life. I am thankful that I have saved several people, hands on – so to speak. I think it’s repayment for at least twice someone has saved my life, and I can’t remember if I ever thanked them. Thank you wherever you are.
