traumatized...if you saw someone do this, what would you think? (Page 2)

If I witnessed this happen, I believe that my thoughts would have been that the person who attempted the rescue needs a huge hug right now, needs to be reassured that they did everything possible and to be thanked for at least trying.

You risked your own life to try to save a stranger.  I can't think of anything that is more heroic than that.

My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you work through this.  Give yourself time and let us know how you are doing.

If I saw someone do that, I would be heartbroken, but also have deep respect and admiration for the person fighting selflessly to save another life.

Thanks to everyone who posted. I do have a few people (well, in fluent English, one person) physically in Korea whom I can talk to, but all interactions and words of honesty and/or support are truly helping me think about it less. I cry when I read the posts, for briefly re-living the moment in my mind from different angles, and then it is easier to go a longer time to not think about it after letting out some emotions.

Truly, all of the input here is very helpful - thank you.

"A hero is a man who is afraid to run away."   --English Proverb.

"The real hero is always a hero by mistake; he dreams of being an honest coward like everybody else." - Umberto Eco



Edited by DrPete 2009-08-11 7:59 PM

My hat is off to your bravery and selflessness. I could only hope that if it were me or a loved one in that water that you would have been there to do something....anything. You gave it your all and ultimately you have to take care to not lose your own life in a dangerous situation like that.
I'd call you a hero.