When the Going Gets Tough: A True Story From Dupont, Washington

Catastrophic! How horrifying this accident had to be for all the commuters affected! Simply viewing the photos made my heart race. But as I read on about the heroes in this story, I felt calmer, just as we know the injured were comforted by their presence & concern.

All the good guys are not dead, bro...no matter how awful things appear to be getting all around us. It is shocking events like this that bring out the good guys and show us all what REALLY MATTERS in this world. Just in time to renew our strength and hope...and clearly to renew our faith in our fellow men and women.

What an experience. That young man & woman had one intention, just one. Putting their own safety aside, they thought exclusively of those in immediate need. It doesn't get any more amazing than this, bro! Peace, Paula

Bill, your love and compassion go deeper than religion, so it's a good thing you are not a big religious guy. And, honestly, we don't need to worry about whether or not Bill or James would have interviewed people. My guess is that they never would have gone anywhere near the incident. They would never even think once about helping another human being.

So much good to report on, newscasters might have to leave out some of the bad stuff if they chose to share stories about the goodness and kindness of people. Thanks for highlighting this story of unconditional kindness.

Wonderful story of the two seekers who didn't want the injured to be alone on the train. We need more citizens like them. It sounds like they are capable of, and practice, unconditional love, which I believe is what Jesus taught. Living half way across the continent from WA, I had not read this story anywhere. Thank you for bringing it to our attention, my friend.

All I can say is, "well said, Bill."

You can mute your friends temporarily or unfriend them entirely on FB. Just be sure to tell them why you're doing it so it will have the desired impact. Otherwise they'll either not notice or attribute it to other, unrelated causes. We live in such hostile times.

The heroes of your story, have done what in the course of life would every human be prompt to do by the innate sympathy to extend help in time of need . Or am I too utopian ? The proverbial "Good Samaritan" incident is known to western civilization roughly for two thousand years now. Learning from Jesus of Nazareth who came from heaven to serve and to show how serving a fellowmen is practicable in case of Good Samaritan said " Go and do likewise"...

What if that would be me, comes to mind when seeing tragedy in midst of catastrophe. Helping others in need comes as naturally as eating breakfast... After a few hours next meal is necessitous . Opportunity doing good never ends. It is a reciprocate "law of love."

Have a blessed 2018 year of the Lot my friend.

Amazing when people go out of their way to help the injured, the sick, the dying. To give comfort to one's fellow human beings in their time of need - those acts are the essence of love which is what I believe that Jesus hoped we would put above all else including political affiliation, race, creed, etc.. Thanks for another post that identifies a good deed by good people.

I understand the frustration with Facebook. Even my family members can't seem to let go of the outcome of the last election and move on. I have made a resolution to scroll past or hide any of the negative posts that seems to be overtaking the social media sites. I've been a lot happier over the past few weeks after spending less time on them.

I like what you said here. "Hell, we all complain from time to time. I did my share over a year ago after the Presidential election. I was unhappy with the results then and I still am, but I don’t blame the results on half the population." Thanks for that, Bill.

I appreciate how you summarized what is most important in life. Love is truly the answer and as you pointed out love has no natural barriers. True love surpasses colors, economics, politics and more. It is inclusive...not exclusive. Those people who put themselves on the line for others are the embodiment of love. There are many good and selfless people around like Daniel Konzelman. Sadly the others who are bigoted, narcissistic and divisive seem to get more press these days. Kudos to you Bill for celebrating the good and sharing some love.

Seriously not sure how I missed this one, but again been a bit of a crazy week with the holidays and the kids being home. But still appreciated your tale of those two heroic people who entered the railroad cars here. Thanks for ending this year on a more hopeful note. Now wishing you and your family a very, happy, healthy New Year. ;)

Bill, it was by the grace of God that our younger daughter had stayed with us Sunday evening (with her kitty) and then went to work in Dupont. On a "normal" Monday she would have left her home in Lacey, gone to work in Dupont...and then not be able to get back to her cat.

If Mr. Carb Diva had still been working at the Washington State Dept. of Ecology, he would have taken personal days.

Yes, we were (or could have been) inconvenienced, but that is nothing compared to the pain that 100 people endured and are still dealing with.

You've raised some important points in this article, Bill. The story about the two people who entered the damaged railroad cars is very impressive. Their bravery and kindness is a great example for us.

I totally agree with you. In tragedy and calamities, extraordinary, common people could care less about the victims opinions and affiliations. They are only concerned with the welfare of human beings. What an intimate beautiful connection between strangers.

As for Jesus, I could go on and on about his love and compassion. He is love and compassion, and the greatest forgiver there can ever be, and a Savior for all who call upon his name. Truly he gave the greatest sacrifice. Great message here Bill.

A wonderful story full of heart. Just wish it had been a simple story. I have put in prayers for these people. I think what the two did to help the injured shows they truly have hearts of gold.

Wonderful article Bill,

I too had friends near to this event. I also find it sad that many of humanity choose to separate as opposed to bring people together.

One can hope that in disaster all would do the right thing in caring for others.

I have been blessed time and time again by the miracles of God on this earth. I am thankful for His example in Jesus the human form of His Spirit. Thankful for each breath to serve, and thankful for your article to shed light on the positive actions of these citizens.

We can all be better in the climate of compassionate response in crisis. I pray we will step up to the call.

Blessing always to you.

Happy New Year to you too, Bill.

I'm with you, Bill. Life is about the building up of others, not the tearing down. I cannot understand people who continuously tear others down. I assume they do this because they have a fragile ego and cannot feel good unless they make someone else feel bad. I try to forgive and at times I need to confront. I may talk about how their actions affect others, but I would never tell them they are bad. The actions are, but people arent'. I truly believe we are all connected and if we hurt another, we are hurting ourselves.

Bill, the train derailment a few weeks ago changed so many lives. But even in this, there some triumph--the love of mankind manifest in those brave heroes who risked everything to help strangers. Thank you for reminding us that despite all the negativity and bile in social media there still is good in hearts.

What I think is interesting is the media's "negative bias" when it comes to news. Just think what would happen if they focused on all that's good in the world. Thanks for sharing the positive!