Pipestone Flyer
“Every second that I get to spend with my wife Donna and daughter Lindsay is a blessing to me. I had quadruple bypass surgery 10 years ago and thank God every morning for giving me one more day.” These were the words used by Mike Yargeau in summing up his feelings after describing how he participated in helping save the life of Sue Stratton.
Mike and another gentleman were at the Wetaskiwin Co-op Cardlock filling their vehicles with gasoline when they noticed a lady ‘acting strange’. The lady in the vehicle across from them was sitting in her car with the fuel nozzle in the tank but no fuel was being dispensed. “Although the other gentleman was first to note the strange behavior I took charge because I am an employee (Assistant Lumber Manager) of the Co-op”, explained Mike. As he approached the vehicle Mike found a lady reclined in the driver's seat of her vehicle looking ill. He inquired if she was alright, to which the lady responded, "I feel sick. I should have never come out today to get fuel". She then suddenly sat upright, cleared Mike from her path, threw open the driver’s door of her car and vomited on the pavement. She apologized to Mike, got back into the car and laid back in her vehicle seat.
Mike kept asking her if she needed help and was finally able to get her to give him the phone number of her father. Mike phoned the father, but his efforts weren’t producing results so he quickly called 911. The 2 good Samaritans waited with the lady until the ambulance arrived. She was taken to the Wetaskiwin Hospital and by Sunday morning Sue Stratton was transferred to the U. of A. Hospital in Edmonton.
You saved my sister’s life.
Sue Stratton’s sister Donna Tippe expresses her gratitude with the following text messages;
TEXT #1
“Like I said we are so thankful for all that you did for her. I know we all do things for family and friends and even strangers. But the unsung hero is the one that needs to be recognized as well. I hope you show your family my texts so they are aware of how thankful we are. What you've done for us is beyond a note in the paper and a handshake, you've given us back a member of our family. For that there is not enough thanks.”
TEXT #2
“Morning Mike. I hope you don't think I'm a bother. Just can't thank you enough for all that you did for my sister. We have learned that she had a stroke, most likely seconds before you talked to her. She is in ICU, but this morning is responding to commands. She's got a long road ahead but she is strong and has no lack of determination. I know this sounds funny but you know the saying: to some you are the whole world, you are the world to me. You saved my sisters(who is my best friend) life by getting her help. You are my hero!!!! I hope it's ok that sometime I drop in, hopefully with her beside me just to give you a hug or shake your hand, once this settles down a bit. Again heartfelt thanks from my family to you. We are so grateful for the kindness you've shown for a stranger who was in trouble.”
TEXT #3
“Thanks we need all the prayers we can get. She is awake today and knew who I was. And is moving all limbs. That is a huge thing as the strokes were in the part if her brain that controls movement, muscle coordination etc. cerebellum part of the brain. we're not sure what she’ll have to deal with. I will keep you posted, if you’re on Facebook look me up I am keeping family and friends updated there as well. Donna (Stratton) Tippe is my name. Thanks again.”
Mike concludes by saying, “Be thankful. You asked how this changed the way I look at things. Every second that I get to spend with my wife Donna and daughter Lindsay is a blessing to me. I had quadruple bypass surgery 10 years ago and thank God every morning for giving me one more day.”
So I guess, what it has done is reinforce the fact that we cannot take anything for granted in life. Be thankful for what you have may it be a little or a lot, because tomorrow you could have nothing.
You see, we are here, as far as I can tell, to help each other; our brothers, our sisters, our friends, our enemies. That is to help each other and not hurt each other. I’m grateful that I was put in the right place at the right time.”
NOTE from Barry
What an appropriate and moving message. I look at my calendar and note I am writing this article on October 14th, Thanksgiving Monday.