I don't know much about it, but I think this happens every year. Middle schoolers gather for a long walk down to the far end of Commercial Street, near the city ball fields and the rodeo grounds, to witness a grim scene. They find an overturned vehicle with injured, or worse off, occupants. Emergency vehicles begin to respond; fire, police, even a helicopter flies in eventually to retrieve possible survivors. The rumor is that the driver was drunk. It brings tears to my eyes every time. It makes an impression on me, and I hope it makes an impression on these kids, well before they can get behind the wheel. It is staged, of course, but I weep to see the dedicated responders rushing to the scene, sirens blaring, and the pulsing of the medivac helicopter on its somber approach. The seriousness these professionals devote to caring that these young people stay smart, and stay alive, brings tears even now. Whatever it takes.
4 comments:
Wow. All that for a lesson. That's caring.
P, I couldn't get a shot that showed quite how many kids make the migration, but it looked like hundreds. If one life is saved...
That is awesome. I was so relieved to read your words "it is staged." What a great pro-active way to practice responding AND give a tangible experience to the kids to stave off potential tragedy.
Kim, I think Willits is such a small town, that anytime this many people gather in one place, it's impressive. But I hope that adds to their sense of how serious it is too.
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