HELP

Progress at the rehab hospital today; so much so that it looks like my family member will be discharged on Saturday. Throughout this incident, I think of some of the people who have helped -- the six handsome paramedics, the very kind male ER nurse, the physical therapist who cared enough to get involved past her duties, the social worker who even asked how I was doing. Dozens of people involved in getting one person well again, and they will likely never know the full outcome of their efforts because my family member lives elsewhere, as do I.

Late in the afternoon, I take off for a break to the local nail salon, now across the highway from where I used to live in 1965. Back then, there was a pizza place, the Dog n' Suds drive-in, a dubious little motel, and a tavern named BAR, or at least that is what the big sign on it said. Now all the big box stores and chain restaurants are there, covering the path from the decrepit ski lodge to BAR that we used to walk with my dad and the dog.

I pick out my color -- Tangerine Tango again -- and settle back. The ABC nightly news is on, and the last story of the day catches the attention of everyone in the salon:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/07/21/milwaukee.rescue/index.html

Captured on video, a horrific car accident in Milwaukee today, where a mother, infant, and 4-year-old boy were trapped in their SUV, which had rolled over and caught on fire. Immediately, passers-by went to their aid, desperately trying to smash the windshield and window open to free them. The fire was substantial as was the risk to all. The mother and the baby were freed, but the boy remained stuck, belted in his carseat, screaming. No one gave up, not even when the tires blew and the fire got bigger and hotter, and reached the child. People found pipes to pound with, a knife to cut the seatbelt with, a hose. Two off-duty firefighters were finally able to free the child, badly burned, but he is expected to make a good recovery. He is alive.

The father appeared on TV, holding back tears, saying how very grateful he was to everyone who saved his family. They are also in the area temporarily, from Tennessee, also dependent upon strangers for help through an unexpected tragedy.

It is very important to remember -- very important -- that there is caring and good and brave out there.

Thank you Pewaukee and Delafield and Waukesha paramedics.

Thank you Waukesha Memorial Hospital and RHOW.

Thank you, Wisconsin.

Help!