The Hand of God

By Cindy Meyers, Rodeo Attitude
Posted Monday, July 28, 2008

I like to take a moment to pass on a story about a friend of mine. I have known this man literally since he was born. I have watched him grow into a good and honest man. He is a husband, a father, and a business man who is not afraid to work. This is his story.

It was a cold day, even for Ohio, but Jim had always enjoyed a brisk walk in the woods with his dog. Jack had been his faithful companion for more years than Jim would like to remember. One nice thing about living so close to the river and the woods was the enjoyment of hunting or like today just walking. Today’s walk was more to keep Jack in shape for those hunting trips than for Jim, but then he could use the walk as well.

The river was frozen making a crunchy sound in the stillness of the woods as they walked. It was with a bit of surprise to Jim when they came upon a section where the center wasn’t frozen. The thermostat read 11 degrees when they left home and it had been extremely cold for some time now. Walking to the edge of the river Jim and Jack continued on passing the hole when suddenly Jim realized Jack was gone. Looking back he saw the dog floundering in the icy water. Rushing back to the top of the hole he grabbed a branch and called to Jack. As Jack and master got closer together Jim tried to hook his collar to pull him out. He eased as close as he dared to the open water knowing that the ice would be thinner closer to the edge. Then it happened and within an instant both man and dog were in the icy water. Struggling to stay together and make it to the edge of the ice it was remarkable how fast Jim found himself at the end of the hole.

Grasping for a hand-hold on the ice reality stuck him. Jack was no longer to be seen and if he didn’t do something quick the icy water would become his grave as well. He threw his leg up over the top of the ice. The thin ice gave way. The Carhart bib overalls and heavy coat that had kept him so warm on the walk were now full of water and their weight was quickly pulling him down. He gathered all his strength and made a second try. Again the ice gave way.

His mind raced. He had now been in the icy water for more than 5 minutes and he was colder than he had ever been in his life. Thinking of his wife and children he wanted to help them find his body. He could do that one last thing for them. Taking off his gloves and his hat he threw them to the shore. “Well it least they will know where to start looking,” he thought.

Mustering his last bit of strength and a prayer he gave it one last try. This time it was if a hand was lifting him up and out of the water and somehow he found himself on the shore actually away from the edge of the open water. His clothes were soaked and it wasn’t taking the 11 degree weather long to freeze them. Without hesitation he began making his way to the old country road and for home. He had walked what seemed like an eternity. The Carharts were now frozen solid. When he felt like he couldn’t get any colder or take one more step a stranger pulled up and gave him a ride home.

“Do you want to go to the hospital?” the stranger asked.

“No, I just want to get warm.” Jim replied.

He thanked the man and headed for the house. Inside he made quick work of getting out of the frozen clothes. He showered until the water began to turn cold and then wrapped up in a blanket. He just wanted to be warm again. Very soon his wife came home and quickly realized that her husband was in a very serious condition and rushed him to the hospital. At the hospital the doctors discovered he needed heart surgery. After having 4 stints put in his heart Jim spent 3 days in intensive care and many more recovering.

Today Jim has made a miraculous recovery. He hasn’t gone on any walks by the river and misses his good friend, Jack. When people ask him how he ever survived he has just one answer, “The Hand of God saved me. There is no other explanation.”