It’s days like these (July 24) that I feel blessed to be a part of Wetzel County. The morning started out with a cardiac arrest and only one crew on duty. A call for help was put out over the air, and New Martinsville PD showed up to help. A police officer drove our ambulance to the hospital while both crew members worked furiously to save the patient’s life.

I took an old gentleman home from WCH to his residence in Tyler County. He was 92 years old and a very pleasant gentleman. He told me he was in the United States Navy for 30 years. He was a chief petty officer and was in World War I, World War II, and Korea. He said he had a good life and had the opportunity to see a lot of the world, but he was lonely now. I thanked him for his years of service and it brought tears to his eyes and then mine. I asked him for some wisdom and he gladly told me not to have resentment and anger in my heart. He said, “It won’t do you any good and might even harm you.” He said he didn’t have much to live for anymore, and I suggested that God had been watching over him and that he must still have a purpose here on this earth. I told him that he touched my life in a wonderful way and I was proud to be able to take care of him, even for just the short ride home. He told me that if I wanted to visit him that he really likes Witschey’s frozen pumpkin pie.

We had a car accident on Rt. 2 and had two patients so we were very busy. New Martinsville PD once again helped package and load the patient into the ambulance. We were blessed once again by their presence. New Martinsville Fire Dept. was on scene and help with traffic and with our patients.

We were very busy all day and Wetzel County Hospital ER was full. It was so good to walk into the emergency room and get smiles from the ER staff. I was even offered a cup of coffee. Those of us who work in public service are a blessing to each other, and today was one day when we were all working together and treating each other with kindness.

Wetzel County Citizens are in good hands. I know my life is a little more blessed by the day’s events. Random acts of kindness should always be recognized.

Carla McBee

WCEAA Director