Angels and heroes here in Penticton

Dear Editor:

Many of you living, loving, working, playing and simply surviving in our beautiful city are angels and heroes to someone, even if you don’t know it... yet. I am quite certain that you, Doug (I apologize, I didn’t get your surname) did not realize you were donning the equivalent of a cape when you ventured out in your plaid shirt, leash in hand, to walk your beautiful dog on Okanagan beach last evening with your family.

And you, sir, ( I am sorry I didn’t get your name) with the inflatable orange dinghy; it’s doubtful that when making plans to gather on the beach with friends last evening that you saw your pleasure craft as the equivalent of a life raft.

And you, Shivanya, I doubt that when choosing your turquoise one-piece to wear under your bulky 2019 Pen-Hi grad hoodie and faded shorts you thought, “this looks like good life-saving attire to me.”

What I am certain of is that when you heard a faint “help” and saw me running into the lake to assist my young friend struggling to stay afloat in the deep, cool water you acted; quickly and bravely. You all entered that water with commitment and the courage to get everyone home safely last night.

Doug, you knew our friend’s large, fatigued body would be a struggle for me to manage and you took him swiftly and confidently into your arms, keeping his head above water, swimming with all your might to get him safely to shore.

Man with the dinghy, you knew none of us had flotation devices and that bright orange plaything could be a lifeline. It was a relief to see it arrive on scene and have on hand on our journey back to the beach. Shivanya, your voice and presence were a comfort and kept our friend present and alert.

I don’t have the words to thank you enough for your bravery, your heart and your heroics. Your quick and courageous response to a call for help from a stranger saved a life and averted a tragedy. Your willingness to put yourselves in close contact with someone in need when we are cautioned to stay apart speaks volumes of your character and the hero living in you and amongst us all.

From the depths of my heart, thank you. Because of you, we are all enjoying another beautiful day here in Penticton, where angels and heroes walk among us, undetectable, even to themselves until they hear the call.

Name withheld upon request

Penticton