National Adult Literacy Database

December 30, 2002

The story we have this week was written by Glen Gray, from Sarnia, Ontario. Glen wanted to go back to school to get his grade twelve credits and go on the Chippewa Reservation, as he is a North American Native Indian. The school is called Aamjiwnaang Alternative and Continuing Education Program. Glen was born August 24, 1959. His father's birthday is also on August 24th. He is 43 years old and also the baby out of six in the family. Glen had a sister and a brother who died. He and his brother were very close. He likes fishing and working on cars and trucks. He also likes going to the beaches as well as driving cars. Glen enjoys doing crafts or art. He loves going swimming and he likes meeting new people and being around them.

Glen met his wife in Ontario. She is from Prince Edward Island. Her name is Debbie Ann Cheverie. She is also working on computers at the adult learning program.

Trauma at the store

by Glen Gray

One morning about 5:30 a.m. something tells me that I had to go over to the store to buy something. I was dressed and already to go over to the store, so away I went. I just lived next door, not even 2 minutes away from there. When I walked into the store my buddy was working that morning. So far everything was cool so I said to him, "Good morning." When I walked in he said "Hi, good morning too." I walked up to the counter and I ordered some flints for my lighter. All of a sudden his eyes started to roll behind his head. He looked awfully pale. I said, "Are you all right?" I knew something was wrong. So I grabbed his arm to keep him from falling down. I tried not to let him fall too hard. I ran around the counter. I thought he took a heart attack. So I started to work on him. I was crying I didn't know what to do. He wasn't breathing so I started to pump his chest to keep his heart going.

I called 911 for police and ambulance. It's a good thing there's a phone there. They showed up in less then 3 minutes. Boy, I was relieved when the police and ambulance showed up. They worked on him right away. Then the officers said I was a hero. I was there at the right time. I was happy when the officer said that I saved the clerk's life. His family was upset and worried. They thought he wasn't going to make it. Then the good news came: they said he's going to be all right. We all met at the hospital. The whole family was there and gave me a hug for saving their dad's life. They thanked me for saving his life. I knew then I was a hero.

I hope I don't go through this experience again. Everybody is a hero when they save someone's life.