What people are really made of is revealed, not when things are going well, but in times of stress.
Two young people reacted at opposite ends of the scale well after dark last Wednesday night.
A 16-year-old driver did everything wrong after striking Molly (Megan) Burton, who was walking along Comox (Dyke) Road just before midnight.
After flinging the 24-year-old woman into nearby brush, injuring her critically, the teen drove away.
A TV reporter’s assessment that he “left her for dead” is harsh since that implies intent.
Yet the teen was driving fast enough to send her flying out of sight of other passersby.
Not stopping, rendering assistance and summoning medical help was a callous, cowardly act that he must live with the rest of his life, and answer for in court.
Contrast his actions with those of Brody Fullerton.
From his boat, the young man heard Burton’s anguished cries for help after she spent several hours in pain and fear with serious injuries to her right arm and right leg.
Fullerton said he spent 45 minutes in the darkness before he located her, comforting her until medical help arrived. His dedication, compassion and selflessness should result in a medal.
As it is, response to Comox Valley Record online coverage identified Fullerton as a compassionate son who regularly visited his dying mother.
Former Kingfisher Resort co-workers sent their best to Burton and a former teacher described her as “outgoing, fun-loving, happy and strong.”
She will need those qualities during a difficult recovery period that is expected to include several surgeries.
We at the Record wish her a speedy and full recovery. We also extend sympathy to her parents, Leslie Wells and Ralph Burton.
As a counsellor at Pacific Therapy and Consulting in Courtenay, the compassionate and insightful Wells has helped many people.
She, her husband and daughter need a strong support network during the difficult months ahead.
editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com