Saving Lives!!!

HER: "Saving lives" There is actually an inside but famous story (R RATED) with this phrase that I learnt the first time I hung out with Frank.
Curiously, by the end of this week I will be certified by the Washington County Fire Department and Washington County Hospital to do this LEGALLY!
If you are reading this and you know the story you might be wondering if she will do that after a wine event or at night during the summer? But if you aren't you might be asking yourself, "What in the world is she talking about?" and, "What is she going to do now?" Well, my dear friend, you can sleep well tonight and not fear my actions. I just wanted to share with you that I completed an AED & CPR TRAINING CLASS tonight!

HIM: *laughing* Okay, if you are actually wondering what she's talking about, Vanessa will be certifiable... er, certified to bring people back to life, NOT legally hang out with me (a U.N. resolution ratified in 1992 made that an international crime - adherence "optional" of course...). Vanessa has the spirit of a hero. Those of you who know her, know it to be true. Any skills she picks up, like AED or CPR, would be put to good use. She is quite capable of saving lives.

Which brings us to the ACTUAL early conversation about "saving lives"... It is really a very inspiring tale. And it begins somewhere in New York State:

Having just attended a midnight concert by Matchbox 20 (opened with Eagle Eye Cherry), my German friend Sebastian (where are you now old buddy???) and I were returning to our campsite north of Buffalo. The drive back was going to take almost two hours and we were both exhausted. Determined to make it home, and with few other options, we set out at 2:00 am.

There was no one on the road for most of the trip and Sebastian eventually fell asleep in the passenger seat. As we rode on, my eye lids began to droop. It was so late... I remember starting to doze off. So, I stopped at a darkened (abandoned?) gas station and tried to take a nap. I sat, awake for 10 minutes before deciding that we'd have to press on. There was still no one else on this road going north.

After driving another leg of the trip, I began to drift off again (Caution: Dozing and driving is a STUPID and CARELESS and INCONSIDERATE thing to do! DO NOT DO IT!). Luckily, a car pulled up behind and passed me. I noticed that it was a girl (!!!). Sleep deprived and bored senseless (literally...) I was captivated by this girl and decided to pass her. I was starting to wake up... I elbowed Sebastian and pointed out the car. I explained how the girl and I had been playing leapfrog for most of the way since the gas station.

We were almost to the campsite now. Only a few miles left and the girl was driving our way. Was she a camper? Would she be interested in heading to Niagra Falls with us the following day? All these thoughts were bouncing around in my now-awakened mind as we drove.

Suddenly, at the last turn-off before the camp, she pulled off at an exit and left us to continue our journey alone. As I watched her ride up and away, I realized that my guardian angel had escorted us safely back. To this day, I KNOW that a disaster was averted by this divine messenger.

Fast Forward:

So, Vanessa and I are visiting Matt, Misty and Jenny in Bloomington, and I get to tell that story. In conclusion, I mention that you just never know how the small things you do can make a huge difference in someone's life. And that I encouraged everyone to be conscious of that influence when driving. It might "save lives". Now, there was some discussion of quick techniques to get and hold another driver's attention... But we'll leave those up to your imagination, dear reader.