AN OMEN? AN ANGEL PERHAPS?

I had just returned from my father’s funeral in October of 1958. I was going to University in a large City of Saskatoon (population 100,000) as compared to my hometown of Pelly (population 301 on Saturdays) and I was having difficulty adjusting to the larger student body (6,000) as compared to 126 in the tweleve grades in Pelly.

I had earned some money that summer working with my brothers in Trail, B.C. and borrowed $500 from the Government of Saskatchewan (my first experience with loans). I had paid my tuition and books and prepaid my room and board till April. I had $10 per month sending money left over.

As I walked from class to the 2500 block of Ewart Avenue, my boarding house, I started thinking about my lot in life. All the negative thoughts concentrated on one area and that was that no one could be as challenged as I was to complete this seemingly unconquerable task that I had set for myself. Completing university from a school that had a dismal record of past university entry students.

So it was with heavy heart that I shuffled one foot in front of the other, begrudging the prospect of being alone again in a strange house. Yes, I started to cry those sobs of absolute hopelessness. It appeared that I was going to rack my body with this condition of feeling sorry for myself.

Through my tear-stained glasses, I noticed what at first appeared to be a pile of clothes lying in the middle of the sidewalk. As I approached, I realized it was a person and that there were crutches and a shopping bag beside. Well I ceased my self-pity when I realized that this unfortunate person was legless and resting on the side of the sidewalk having a smoke.

My first reaction was concern that he had fallen down or some other accident may have contributed to his situation and now he was unable to get up.

“Can I help you”, I asked?

“Oh no”, he responded. “I am just having a smoke. It is very difficult to walk on crutches and smoke at the same time”.

Notwithstanding carrying a shopping bag, I thought.

“As soon as I finish my cigarette, I will be on my way”, he added cheerfully.

“What are you doing with that briefcase?” he enquired.

“Oh, I am attending university and taking Engineering” I informed him.

“You are one of the very fortunate few that can do that. I wish you success in your studies.”

With that he began a very deliberate process of propping his crutches an opposite ends of his torso and rolling to one side. Along with his crutches, he had clutched the shopping bag as well.

“Is there any way that I can help you?” I asked very concerned as I could not determine how he was going to get up by himself.

“Oh, I have done this many times. At least it is not icy and slippery, otherwise it would be a bit of a challenge” as he continued his rise to a walking position. He rocked one side to the other as he adjusted his body weight from one crutch to other and then waddled away with a very cheery “good afternoon”.

I watched him for a block or so before I turned to continue on my way. “I thought I had troubles”, I mused to myself. “How selfish of me!”

That sure straightened me out in a hurry!

Was this intended for me or was this an accidental occurrence? I am not sure but it makes me still wonder?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++End++++++++++++++++++++++++

This incident took place in late October, 1958 about 2000 block on Ewart Avenue, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan at about 1600 hours