Dear editor:
I am the 86-year-old lady who was mugged on New Year’s Day in West Vancouver.
The shock of the attack is still with me. With time I am recalling it with less pain. But memories of lying there and screaming for help stay with me (as does the broken shoulder I suffered in the attack). I don’t know who made the call for help but I am grateful to them because soon after, the rescuers arrived.
As the fire department were making me comfortable with warm blankets, I assured their concerns by trying quiet humour and said their blankets were wonderful but there was “no teddy bear.”
The policeman on duty told me that the department arranged to bring me one of their stuffed Dalmatian dogs. It came with me to Lions Gate Hospital. I find it hard to describe the enormous sense of comfort I got from having something to hold close and stroke. Next day I was stunned when the West Vancouver police officer who was at the scene the night before came to my house and produced for me a teddy bear. More heart-warming feelings for me.
I wanted so much to let the West Van community know about the excellent and compassionate attention I received from our first responders. But mostly about the underlying sense of genuine caring they bring to their work.
Name withheld upon request
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