Yesterday, my best friend, Melanie, shared this story about her husband, Jeff who is an train engineer with CN. I regret it is not until now that I have time to write about it, but I think it is GOOD NEWS worth sharing, timely or not. The following took place Saturday, July 3rd in London, Ontario and with permission, is written in Melanie's words. Perhaps if you know the name of the person who this happened to, you could let us know how he's doing...
Jeff called me at work and told me, "There's been a bit of excitement at work today." As they slowly brought their train across a bridge near South Street hospital, he looked out of his window to see if he could spot any fish. As they neared the other side [of the river] he noticed what looked like clothes floating in the water. As he looked closer, he noticed with alarm that it was actually a person floating face down in the river with his feet just barely up on shore.
Jeff thought to himself 'I didn't hear any splash or see any waves or ripples in the water' and wondered how long he had been there. After stopping the train, (which took yet another few precious minutes) he and his two co-workers found their way down to him. The challenging part was trying to explain [to EMS] exactly where their location was, as the man was just off the bike path, not near any roads.
"Watch his neck & spine! Get his head up!" Jeff instructed. They gently and quickly moved his body out of the water and onto the shore. The man's eyes were rolled back and he was not breathing. As they continued to maneuver him into a better position, he started to awaken and talk.
Jeff could only shake his head. No one would have seen him on the path unless they noticed the crashed bike and decided to look further. Up on the bridge, Jeff just happened to have the perfect view and was in the right place at the right time. He still has no idea how long the man had actually been lying there, submerged in water before hew was noticed. "I guess it was that guy's lucky day," he says modestly. [Once EMS arrived, they got back on the train and continued on]
Jeff never did find out the man's name or knows how he is doing now.
It makes you think twice when you are stopped by a train in the city. Who knows what those "train guys" are really doing. They could be giving a stranger a second chance at life.
Jeff and his two co-workers, Ron & Colleen, were the CN railroaders who together, saved a man from dying alone, face down in a river. These three are simply silent, modest heroes among us.
After my husband shared this story with me, it restored my hope in humanity. This was a deed to be proud of. A monumental difference has been made in the lives of everyone who was at that scene.
About Me
- Chantelle Diachina
- Canada
- With a B.Ed., M.Ed., and over 10 years of classroom teaching experience, Chantelle has been privileged to observe the fruits of many living philosophies. By continually striving to live the best life possible, Chantelle has been able to overcome many personal challenges in life and enjoys helping others do the same. In 2001, Chantelle stepped into her first yoga class and has been amazed at the ways it has transformed her life. In 2007 she studied under Shri Yogi Hari of the Sivananda lineage and became a certified yoga teacher. She has since earned the E-RYT designation from Yoga Alliance and continues to study under various Indian Master Yogis. In October 2013 launched Prana Yoga & Wellness, offering private/corporate yoga and stress management workshops based on Eastern wisdom. Chantelle frequently appears as a guest speaker and is involved with various community projects and local non-profit organizations. Dedicated to walking her talk, Chantelle is not afraid to do the necessary work to remain happily married and be a healthy role model for her two young daughters.
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