The letter began, "Based on a national program, the Kansas Power+Hope award recognizes individuals...."
The event occurred a few months ago.
It was a typical August day, hot as blazes outside, which was why I was firmly ensconced in my home office with the air conditioning cranking out a constant stream of cool air. Working from home has it's advantages, one of which is the ability to do professional work while clad in shorts, tee shirt, and flip flops.....no one is the wiser.
I caught a glimpse of the pick-up as it flashed by my office window, so I was in the process of heading outside when the pounding on the front door caused me to reverse my steps. No one ever comes to the front door.....I didn't recognize the face of the young man, but anxiety and fear was written all over his face.
"You've got to come quick!" he said. "Your neighbor has had a bad accident, and needs help." Immediately, my mind started racing, Which neighbor, what kind of accident, is he hurt badly, and what the heck am I supposed to do. At that point I just headed out the door to see what we could do.
"He's flipped his tractor over and he's trapped. He's been there for nearly two hours and is in bad shape." Tom, the fellow who was now driving us back to the site of the accident, was talking a mile a minute. He was scared, and was short on details except to say that my neighbor needed help right away. He was right. We both scrambled out of the truck before it even stopped, and I rushed over to the ditch where the tractor was turned on its side. I jumped up on the wheel, grabbed my young neighbor by the arm, and asked, "What happened?"
He was in shock, barely conscious, and was pinned by a t-post that was impaled in his thigh. For two hours he had been in the hot sun, unable to move, and now it was almost too late. The relief on his face was almost too much for me to bear. He just assumed that we would be able to handle the situation. I, on the other hand, had no confidence at all that this would turn out well.
We had no coverage for the cell phones, so Tom used his truck radio to call for an ambulance. It would be at least thirty minutes and we were running out of time. Again, my mind raced for an answer.
What do we do? I don't have a way to cut the post, I can't risk nicking an artery, but he's going to die if we can't get him free.
So we did what anyone would do, we prayed for some divine guidance and went to work. A chain was located, and as Tom backed the truck into position, I attached the chain to the tractor. Another prayer, and we tried to raise the tractor enough to get him free. It was working, so I climbed back on the tractor, grabbed the young man under the arms and lifted him from where he'd been trapped.
I'll never forget the look on his face......and, I suppose he'll never forget mine.
When the ambulance arrived, we had him ready to go. His blood pressure was almost immeasurable, his kidneys were shutting down, and he had a leg that didn't look like it could be saved. So, we prayed again, hoped for the best, and sent him on his way to Wichita for surgery.
I've visited with him several times since. His initial surgery was to cleanse and repair the leg injury, and a second one was needed to remove some damaged toes. But, he's alive, he still has his leg, and recovery is well on its way. Another prayer of thanks for prayers that have been answered.
And now, Tom and I have been given this award in recognition of our actions in saving someone's life. Awards are nice, but I've already received my reward; Every time I see my neighbor walking upright, and smiling as we greet each other, I rejoice in God's work and happily embrace His miracles.
But really, what do I know!
