Editor’s Note: The following letter is in regards to an accident that occurred Nov. 5.
Editor, The Times:
An accident has brought home to me at least two health-restoring truths. First is the value and depth of friendships I share with my buddies - my heroes.
Second is the realization of all that our valley has to offer - the kind people who live here, the resources, and all the places close to home that provide so many different kinds of enjoyment and places to play.
Many people have helped me deal with my changed circumstances but I would like to give special thanks to these buddies: Karen, Shelley, Lori, Mitch and Cheryl for turning a nasty hiking accident into a caring, sharing adventure. After I fell, these friends put their heads together and bravely managed to splint my badly broken leg, gathered supplies to make a stretcher and then bodily carried me along part of the narrow, rough trail above Clearwater Lake. We wonder sometimes why we hang out with those we do; there will never be another doubt in my mind why I’ve chosen to hang out with these girls - my buddies; my heroes.
My next rescuers were a family from Kamloops who were spending their first weekend of boating on Clearwater Lake. Strong arms lifted me onto the bow of their boat and quickly took me the remaining distance to the public boat launch. From here I was transported by vehicle to Dr. Helmcken Hospital here in Clearwater.
More thanks go to my wonderful husband Kevin, who missed work to care for me when I came home, complete with metal inserts, from Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. Kate has been my special friend, sock-knitter, nurse, and dog-walker. “The boys” say thanks too, Kate. Many others, like the girls in my riding classes, caring neighbors and friends, have been cheering up my weeks of recuperation with cards, get-well wishes, muffins, visits, flowers and balloons. And then there’s my Mom with her never-ending supply of homemade soup! You have all helped more than you will ever know - and I look forward to many shared adventures to come, especially with my buddies - my heroes.
Cathy Sauer
Clearwater, B.C.