Creekwalker Saves A Life & A Love Affair
I knew something was wrong before I saw them. We were fishing up along the Deschutes River, near LaPine, Oregon, when my ears caught the sound of a woman crying. It was more like a whine, a sad one at that. She was about 70 and she was standing over a form lying on the ground. I immediately ran to them, and discovered the man had stopped breathing. Her name was Ruby, and later I would learn that his name was Ray. Ruby and Ray. They had come here to celebrate their wedding anniversary. It would be their 50th. This was their spot.
Years ago, Ray had met Ruby at the local fruit stand. Someone had been selling watermelons and Ruby just could not quite pick hers up to get it to the wagon she was pulling. She lived just down the country road. Ray, just released from the US Army, was on a visit to his uncle Gerry before heading home to California. She was 20 and he 21.
Being the gentleman he was, and wanting to get closer to that beautiful red haired gal, Ray offered to carry the watermelon home for her. Along the way they talked, and even after reaching the house, they sat on the porch and talked for hours. Ruby and her mother made some supper, and after they all had eaten Ray said he needed to be going.
The next morning Ray was at Ruby’s door asking her to go on a picnic. Yes, the very spot where he now lay in a crumpled heap. The very spot where Ruby had watched him fish so many afternoons.
Now, I hollered to my friend to call 911 from the cell phone. We had coverage so that was a bonus. I immediately began CPR, and Ruby stood by wringing her hands and crying in that sad whine. Neither my friend nor Ruby knew CPR, so I was afraid I might not be able to help for long, but something just takes over when a life is at stake. I breathed and counted, assessed, breathed and counted. I had done this very thing several times before, and usually the outcome was not so positive.Nonetheless one responds to help.
Fatigue began to set in and I almost stopped…but seeing Ruby standing there and seeing the look on her face, I could not stop. I had to stop to remove my lanyard, but kept pumping on the old mans chest as though he were my own father. Within minutes, I had Rays breathing restored and heartbeat back. I heard the sound of the sirens and hoped they would hurry. I asked Ruby if there were any health problems and she said yes, but she was too muddled to recount them now.
They came and took over; paramedics from the local fire house. They worked on Ray as I comforted Ruby. My friend and I assured Ruby we would see she got to the hospital to be with Ray.
It was on that ride that we learned the love story. It was on that ride to take that sweet woman to her sweet man that we learned that Ray had driven his old Chrysler to the spot. He had a picnic lunch all ready when she woke up and he brought her to the place he had first kissed her. Their love was so sweet, I couldn’t help but envy them. No one had noticed them slip away…Jim, their son, we later learned, was frantic!
Ray made it okay, and he and Ruby have a chance to see their 51st. Wandering back to the river, I thought of people who had passed on, and their love stories, and I was so glad to have been there for Ray…and for Ruby.
CPR/First Aid classes are available through your local Red Cross. The life you save may be someone you love.
Creek
Dare I say heartwarming story? Good job Creek. I did remark to Creek that she was a hero… or is it heroine? And, in her truest Western gal way reminded me she was not a hero and just did what anyone would do. Well, Creek not everyone or most step up. Most pass by or watch. In my book Creek you are a hero to Ray and Ruby!
For those that realize they cannot pass by this time as your loved one lies before you or even for the stranger….learn CPR. For those of you that have had CPR training study up now, as the process has changed yet again. Know how to not only perform these live saving functions, but how to direct someone should you run out of energy in what can be an exhausting effort.
CPR New Guidelines (Phone & Pump) More like a 15 pumps and two rescue breaths now. No more of the 5 to 1. If two people can help, the pumper will tire out pretty quick or get so tired they will do considerable damage to the victim.
