|
(From Corporate Presentations)
(This note was handed to Joe Edmonds after the first of two presentations at Laurel Steel in Burlington Ontario) Joe, Your courage is indescribable. In your family's album
pictures I saw my own children, felt my own anguish at the thought of
losing one of my own.
Hello Joe,
(After being sent a copy of the "Journal Argus", the St Marys Ontario newspaper, Joe Edmonds sent a thank you for the wonderful in-depth coverage and well-written article on a recent presentation at St Marys High School. The following letter was received from the writer, editor of the Argus, Laura Payton) ... I'm sorry I didn't come up to you beforehand . . . and afterwards I must say I was too upset and wanted to leave right away. Such a tragedy to lose your wonderful son . . . who was so beautiful and so talented. I've followed the story in the Free Press all along so I was aware of some of the details, but it doesn't really hit home until you learn about the person and the impact their death has on family, friends and the community. I'm sure it's very difficult to do what you do . . . but please don't stop . . . telling your story will encourage young people to drive safer. In fact, I'm sure the Jason Edmonds Foundation is saving lives. I know I've been talking a lot about road rage (who anyone who will listen) since your visit to St. Marys. All the best,
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
Joe, I wasn't prepared for how hard your presentation on road rage would hit me. I don't think we realize as a society how massive this problem really is and that it's not just happening somewhere else--it's right here at home. We need to understand this is not someone else's problem--it's ours and ignoring or denying that it exists will not make it disappear. I truly believe in what you are doing. Yours is not a presentation for a select group of individuals--the world should be your audience as road rage and aggressive driving affect each and every one of us. You and Jordan are to be congratulated for such a powerful presentation and presence. Both excellent speakers, your presentation is extremely educational and insightful and as I described it to a friend--"heart-hitting." Kim Murphy
Dear Joe: We've received many positive comments since your recent presentation to our Vari-Form staff. I'm sure that our employees appreciated you and Jordan sharing your first-hand experiences. Full of impact, the way that you presented the information provided many poignant moments. I was very impressed with your ability to actively involve your audience. You also managed to introduce a bit of levity at an opportune point to help us laugh at our own foibles. This helped us realize how insignificant some traffic frustrations are in their relative importance to our lives. Based upon the caliber of your talk, I can highly recommend you to any company, school, board or association that wants to better educate its staff, students or member about some of the causes, effects and prevention of road rage incidents. I'm sure that your high quality audio-visual aids will continue to be a valuable part of future presentations. Our employees will remember Jason's story the next time they are faced with the challenge of avoiding a similar road rage incident. Your ability to transform your family's tragedy into something constructive that will benefit the rest of society is an inspiration to all of us. Thank you and keep up the good work! Sincerely,
Wendy D. Robertson, CHRP
|
