My mother was a MacDonald so you might guess how excited I am every year when the Glasgow Scottish Games comes to Florence. It is often on the hottest day of the summer, and this year was no exception. Because I knew it would be very hot, I made sure I had plenty of water and paced myself.
Halfway through the day I felt like I was slowing down so I made it to the piping competition and sat on my little golf seat. By then, I was out of water and realized I was in trouble from overheating. My thinking by then was a little fuzzy, so I didn’t know what to do. I was sitting with my head down wondering how I could get to some water; at that point, I was too weak to move.
That’s when a kind stranger came to my aid. He leaned down, inches from my face, and asked if I was alright. He then said he wanted me to have his water. His kindness, that gesture, saved me from heat exhaustion. I now know it would have been wise if I had also taken one of the powdered electrolyte supplements with me as that is the best way to stay hydrated.
I want to encourage others to know the symptoms and to make sure that they stay hydrated because heat exhaustion is very serious. I want to thank the man in the bright yellow shirt (he may have been a professional photographer) for helping me when I needed a helping hand. Thank you for stopping and for taking the time to help because I really couldn’t help myself. I am truly grateful and want to thank you again.
Jacqueline Maidana
Amherst