A Courage to be Commended

Just found an old "Letters to the Editor" clipping from The Boston Globe (December 19, 2004). It comments on a story of a heroin overdose suffered by a first time user and how his friend, who also received heroin, realizes his buddy's life is at risk. He makes a quick decision to bring him to the hospital, an action that saves his buddy's life. The letter praises his "immediate involvement" and his "respect for another's life."

(by Susan Sheehan, see her website at http://www.dontletyourfriendsdie.org/)

The letter reminds that, though someone may initially behave wrongly (taking drugs), he (or she) may possess the inner fortitude to help another even when this action risks self-implication. Courage demonstrated at such times is done with little fanfare: it's not often praised, but it is true courage nevertheless, and should be commended.