I will start with Joseph. Again, this is a perfect example of a chance encounter, because originally we had decided not to attend our church's annual Christmas potluck dinner. However, as Friday evening rolled on, and not having anything prepared for dinner (and who can pass up free food), we decided to drive to the church building. Both Joseph and Steffen did not want to stay long as they both had school finals to study for, so I promised we would only stay for dinner and then leave.
We had finished our meals and was milling around talking to friends, while Joseph had left the cultural hall and walked into the main lobby to wait for us. A moment later, a frantic woman walked into the lobby with another lady who had been at the party and was having difficulty breathing. The older woman was on the phone with 9-1-1 dispatchers and asked Joseph to sit with the woman who was going into anaphylactic shock, while she went to find someone to verify the address of the church building. She also handed Joseph an epipen and was asked to give the lady in distress a shot of epinephrine. With trembling hands and slight hesitation, but remembering what he had seen on television, he injected the drug into her thigh.
A moment later, EMT's arrived on the scene, gave her Benadryl, and then transported her to the hospital for observation. We were later told by witnesses how brave and calm Joseph had been in this crisis situation. He did not think he was calm at all, but knew what he had to do. I admit, I wept, with humble pride. I was so glad we had taken the boys to the fire station last December for first aid and CPR training, because you never know when we will be called to help another fellow human being. I also thought back to when two complete strangers stepped up to the plate and help someone they did not know, thus saving my life.
Then about a week later, Michael was driving home for a dentist appointment and came across a head-on car crash. He had not witnessed the accident, but it was apparent it had only recently occurred. A county police officer was behind him only seconds later and asked Michael to help the victims of the first car. The accident victim was obviously in shock, as she leaned over her damaged SUV and vomited. She took Michael's hand and asked him not to leave her. He assured her he was not going anywhere and stayed with her until paramedics arrived on the scene. Unfortunately, the gentleman in the second SUV died at the scene. I am proud of Michael for I know a lot of people who would not want to be involved, and would drive around the scene and chosen not to help. I also know it was not easy on him learning the one accident victim had not survived, because Michael has a big, soft heart.
As I stated before, I am tremendously proud of both my boys. Way to go, Michael and Joseph!