A 73-year-old Oregon man traveled three miles in his wheelchair before hunters found him and helped rescue his 61year-old sister after their car got stuck for two nights in the snow.
Linn County sheriff's deputies said that Howard Partridge of Sweet Home and his sister, Janice Partridge, had gone for a drive on a U.S. Forest Service road to view autumn foliage. Police said they were reported missing later that night after they failed to return home.
Deputies said the pair had purchased snacks before their trip and melted snow for water. They stayed in their vehicle for shelter before Howard Partridge left to get help two days later.
Both were reported in good condition and drove their car back to Sweet Home after the hunters freed it from the snow.
Can you imagine the courage it must have taken to venture out for help in a wheelchair? It would be bad enough to go on a nice scenic drive, get stuck in the snow, and then survive for two days before "taking the plunge."
Mr. Partridge and his sister must have realized the futility in further waiting for someone to pass by and discover them. After holding out for two long days- in the cold, mind you- and eventually running out of food and time, the decision was probably made for them.
Even though he was bound to a wheel chair, instead of letting his baby sister risk any hazards of going for help, Mr. Partridge was a real hero for taking on the challenge himself, and was determined enough to push himself three miles or more in the attempt.
This was a real "do or die" situation. Thankfully he was spotted and was able to get them both rescued. I shudder to think of the alternatives.
Life has a tendency to throw some curve balls our way and important decisions have to be made. It takes real courage to face the unknown dangers and just do our best, if our or another's survival is at risk. The unknown can be as mundane as an operation, getting a bank loan, a career decision or, in this case, just getting home. Step outside your comfort zone, face forward, take a deep breath, and start pushing!
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