But this was taken to a whole new level when just towards the end of Saturday’s walk, I miss-stepped and took a tumble off the road and fell onto the roadside gravel. Within seconds, a number of people pulled up, asked if I was ok and looked most concerned at the blood pouring from a cut above my eyebrow and other grazes. I must have looked a sight! One caring lady gave me a dressing from her car’s First Aid kit.
Despite many generous offers to drive me to the finish, I graciously refused wanting to complete the event. At the next water station, the Girl Guides washed me down so I didn’t look quite so alarming. At the finish line, I was quickly whisked off to Rose and the Red Cross people, who cared for me beautifully and did further cleaning up.
And then Rose drove my wife and I in her own car to Dr Puni where he expertly and warmly tended my wounds before he headed off to be the rugby doctor that afternoon. All in all, an unfortunate tumble turned into a community caring for a complete stranger. I didn’t get everyone’s names who helped but thanks to you all.
The term ‘Good Samaritans’ is very apt in this situation. Meitaki ma’ata Rarotonga! As Paul, our very affable host at the Black Pearl Apartments put it, I’ll be going home with a “Raro Tattoo!” Keith Fagg.
