Wanda White, of Nichols, N.Y., describes her ten-year-old grandson, Connor, as a hero. For Connor’s mother Julie, of Apalachin, his bravery and quick thinking played a major part in a heroic effort in November, and what she believes saved her life.
White shared, “I’m proud of him, he did a good job.”
Julie commented, “Connor is my hero. There is no doubt that God’s fingerprints are all throughout the event and He used my son heavily.”
On Nov. 18, 2016, Julie was awakened at 12:45 a.m. with a need to use the bathroom. However, confusion and then shock and worry overcame her when she was bleeding as she got out of bed. Shortly after reaching the bathroom, Julie explained that she passed out for a brief time, and it was Connor who helped pull her out of a precarious position that wedged her in between the toilet and a wall.
A single mother to two children, including Connor’s eight-year-old sister, Ally, Julie had had major surgery on Nov. 1. She is especially grateful that Connor was sleeping near her that night.
Although the scary situation and sudden fear of losing his mother overwhelmed him at first, it was Connor who ultimately called 911 with his mother’s guidance.
Julie’s comforting response helped calm Connor so he could focus, “You’re not going to lose me, but if you don’t call they will never understand me.” Julie urged Connor to make the call because she was afraid that her speech disorder would make it difficult for the 911 dispatcher to understand her.
Following the 911 call, Connor quickly turned on lights inside the house, woke up his younger sister, and met the ambulance team when they arrived. Once Julie was placed on a stretcher, Connor helped buckle her in safely and even opened the ambulance door for the emergency personnel.
Had it not been for Connor’s help, Julie explained that the scenario would probably have played out much worse. Following a hospital stay, the family was able to spend Thanksgiving together, a time that Julie was especially thankful for.
Julie shared, “I’m so very proud of Connor,” and added that an important message from her story is to communicate that all children should understand how to help in extreme emergencies, including when to call 911.
“I for one, have so much that I am incredibly thankful for,” Julie added, and a message appropriate for the holiday season, as well as for every day, “Count your blessings, and don’t leave the smallest one out.”
In 2008 at the age of 27, just six months after the birth of her daughter, Julie suffered three strokes that left her with major brain injuries, which resulted in right side weakness and a speech impediment. Shortly after, her life was impacted again by the break-up of her marriage. Just when she thought her world was near perfect as a young, married mother, her life suddenly changed forever.
Moving forward, one day at a time, Julie’s progress has improved by participating in advanced speech and physical therapy. Throughout her journey, Julie explained that it was a personal relationship with God that helped her overcome several obstacles, such as desperation, humiliation and bitterness, among other feelings. Today, stronger and more confident, she focuses on turning every day into an extraordinary day.
“I can now look in the mirror and see the beauty it reflects, beauty as a whole,” Julie is quoted in the book about her experiences, entitled, “By the Grace of God, Blink Once for Yes,” published under the name, Peyton Edwards.
She continues, “I am beautiful because I am different. My walk, my speech impediment, my slightly bent arm; I am reminded of my blessings with every step I take.”
“By the Grace of God, Blink Once for Yes,” is available at the Petal Pusher, The Goat Boy and the Owego Pharmacy in Owego, N.Y. as well as Arrowhead / Parable Christian Store in Johnson City, N.Y. and on Amazon.com.
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