If anyone wants to know what it sounds like to be an ally to youth – have a listen to the 911 call from Ms. Antoinette Tuff, the bookkeeper in the GA elementary school. The skill, compassion and shear kindness she showed to a mentally ill young man saved so many lives and is a triumph of humanity over sickness.
Her empathy was uplifting. She did (with no prior training – what the police are supposed to be trained to do – to DIFFUSE situations) and she did this by tell the young man over and over – “you know, I love you – we all have bad times – we can get through this.”
I have heard many referred to as hero recently – and I don’t always agree with the use of the word. Mere survival, isn’t necessarily heroic.. (though survival ought to be honored in its own right)
However, today I stand and recognize this kind and intelligent woman – Ms. Tuff – you are a hero!
Huffington Post report of event and recording of the 911 call
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcqFSGE5HzM[/tube]