I appreciate the many paths and trails that allow me to walk throughout our city. My varied routes will occasionally take me onto Poundmaker Road, as was the case this past Monday morning.
I appreciate the many paths and trails that allow me to walk throughout our city. My varied routes will occasionally take me onto Poundmaker Road, as was the case this past Monday morning. At the top of the hill, heading in the direction of the river, I saw in the open field adjacent to the road, what I thought was a deer. As I got somewhat nearer, I realized it wasn't a deer, but I was unable to distinguish what it was. Someone in a truck passed me by, and when they came opposite the animal they stopped for about 30 seconds, obviously ogling the same creature. When the animal began wandering away from the fence-line, the person in the truck drove off, and I was then able to determine from the animal's movement that it was a coyote, but larger in size than any I'd seen.
When the truck had driven off, the coyote headed back in the direction of the road with its eyes trained on me. I suddenly felt rather vulnerable, recalling stories in the news of coyote attacks on humans. As the animal continued to approach in my direction, I began to look for the path that would take me back into the residential area, but alas, I realized I'd already passed it, and the next opportunity for me to exit the road was a fair ways ahead. The animal kept its eyes on me as it continued its approach, making it apparent that it might be considering me for breakfast. I had already been praying as I was walking, so I added a petition for protection from this now seemingly threatening animal.
Soon after, a white truck with the City of St. Albert logo came by. The gentleman inside slowed down, and noting the obvious situation, turned around and came back to offer assistance. He introduced himself as Lynn. He told me that he could see that something wasn't right and he was compelled to come back. I told him that he was my apparent answer to prayer, and we shared our kinship in being Christians. Lynn kindly drove me out of harm's way, allowing me to continue my walk, for which I was grateful.
I want to publicly thank this perceptive and concerned city employee who went out of his way to ensure my protection. Thank you, Lynn.
Rena Christianson, St. Albert
