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(From Health and Safety Conferences)
Mr. Edmonds, I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for your touching presentation you delivered at the Safety Services Manitoba Conference. I have been attending these conferences for many years and have heard many inspiring speakers, but none have touched me or had the impact that your story did. As a husband and father to a young son I quickly realized the impact that my poor judgment and behaviour could have on my family and others and the urgent need to alter my behaviour. Thanks for the work you are doing to make our communities a safer place and please accept my condolences for the loss you have endured. Gratefully yours, Jeffrey Hunt ------------------------------------------------------------- (An email with the subject line, "In praise of a piece of work from the human heart") Dear Sir and Madame, ------------------------------------------------------------- (From Cindy Henry, after a presentation at the London office of the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board) Joe Edmonds presented to the staff of the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board’s London office on October 26, 2000. Having lost his son as a result of an accident caused by road rage, he sends a powerful message about the dangers of aggressive driving. The subject of road rage is relevant to all who drive or ride on our roadways. This includes not only ourselves, but our families, co-workers, customers and clients. The feedback from the staff who attended the session was no less than awesome. Clearly, Joe's words had touched everyone - our awareness of how to avoid aggressive drivers and practice roadway courtesy had definitely been heightened. Cindy Henry
(From Wendy Wawrysh, WSIB) ... My son, John, called me from North Carolina on Sunday night - he'd been at his girlfriend's volleyball "Conference" in Charlotte - they won! He was leaving to go home to Louisville - with 3 other guys and he'd already told me there was snow. He heard the pause in my voice and said, "Hey Mom, don't worry - no road rage. I already talked to these guys about it". It was like a code... ... I have a feeling that while you're focussing on road safety, there's a larger context that speaks to humanity - how we treat each other. It comes through to me in your message and I suspect it does to others as well - and often the subtle message that forms in your own head is the strongest kind, yes? Thanks Joe, Wendy Wawrysh
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hi Joe, I met you in Toronto at the IAPA conference at the beginning of April. You and the lady that you were talking to allowed me to join you at your table for lunch. I'm the guy who decided to skip the session that I was supposed to attend the next day and went to yours instead. Two months later, I can't tell you how many times that I've thought about your presentation. It still moves me when I think about it. As difficult as it must be for you, I'm sure that you know that you are doing a very, very good thing. It has certainly changed my outlook on things. Lord knows that there are huge numbers of people behind wheels of vehicles who shouldn't be.....and one can pretty easily be annoyed by them.....and they used to annoy me at times. Ever since the day I attended your presentation, I no longer allow myself to get sucked in. Now, I've never gotten so upset that I came to the point of violence or dangerous driving....but I have wasted a whole lot of energy being bothered by the stupidity that we see on the streets, even letting it ruin my day at times. Since attending your session that hasn't happened once. You gave me a real change of perspective. I think of the saying that getting upset and worked up takes time off ones life. Based on that you've added time to mine. For that I thank you very, very much. Whenever I'm in my car your....well Jason's story is never far from my mind. Whenever I try to tell someone about the presentation, I usually end up at a loss for words as far as how it effected me. I got a whole lot of good information and attended some very good sessions at the conference, but none come close to your presentation. To think that I almost didn't see it...... I'm very glad that I took up your offer to sit with you at lunch. Sincerely, Rob Lauzon
Very interesting and informative presentation as part our Annual Safety Day - Feb 22/2001. Opened our eyes to our own driving habits that could border on road rage. Well presented with audio visual equipment. Excellent presentation. Hensall District Co-operative Inc.
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