Regina's Good Samaritan

I love stories about good Samaritans.  I especially love those stories when that good Samaritan lives in Saskatchewan.  When I came across the story about the deed performed by  Darren Bezborotko from Regina, I just knew I had to share it in this column.

            Two years ago, Juanita Ledoux, also of Regina, had a very ill six year old son, Owen.  She had taken him to the doctor several times, and tests had been scheduled for Owen.  However, his condition deteriorated to the point that she decided she had to take her son to emergency at the Regina General Hospital.  She and Owen began to walk to the hospital, but he was so ill that he kept falling down on his hands and knees.  Juanita would help him up, but she could not carry him and so they slowly made their way down the street.

            Darren drove by and observed Juanita and Owen.  He stopped to ask them what was wrong.  When he realized how ill Owen was, he helped them into his vehicle and drove them to the hospital.  After Owen was admitted, Juanita was received the diagnosis.  Owen had terminal brain cancer. 

            Darren and Juanita parted after he dropped the two off at the hospital.  But they each thought of the other over the past two years.  Darren could not forget the image of the sick little boy and his mother as they tried to walk to the hospital.  He had said a prayer for him at the hospital doors, and often wondered what happened to them and how things had worked out for them.  He wondered if the little boy was ok.

            Juanita also thought of Darren.  She didn’t know his name, but she wanted to thank him for helping her that day and for bringing such kindness and light on that dark day two years ago.  Last week, Darren’s wife Trish saw a story on-line about Juanita’s search for her good Samaritan and Trish knew the story had to be about Darren. 

            Within a few days, Juanita and Darren once again met.  It was a poignant reunion.  No one knows how much time Owen has left, and both Juanita and Darren were so grateful that Darren had the opportunity to meet Owen once more.   Juanita was pleased to finally be able to thank the stranger who helped her and her son. 

            Juanita feels this is an important story.  She wants people to know how one simple act of kindness can make a world of difference to someone in pain.   Both families plan on staying in touch with each other.  A new friendship has been formed.

            How different this story would have been if Darren had simply driven away and chosen not to get involved.  His simple act of kindness gave Juanita the strength to make it through that terrible day and two families who likely would never have met, are now friends and share a special bond.   I wonder how many of us would have stopped to help this worried mother and very ill little boy?   I hope that by sharing this story, Juanita’s hope of people spreading kindness and helping each other will be realized.

             Being a good Samaritan to someone in need . . . it's a good thing!