The Turk Causes a Commotion

Karen, a great friend for 30 years, stopped by for a visit on her way to a convention in Tampa.  This required an appropriate celebration - so we were off to Frenchy's at Clearwater Beach in time for dinner and sunset. The restaurant was crowded as usual for a Friday night, the sunny evening was balmy. Perfect!  Well... not quite perfect.

Karen and the Turk start celebrating

Drinks, then grouper sandwiches - YUM!  Catching up on stories..... and then Mark starts choking.  He came over and I did Heimlich on him. I heard no noise, but am thinking that is because the restaurant was silent. It seems forever when Mark has these episodes.  We have a system to keep him calm and try to get some air out of his lungs to open his throat.

I felt the man sitting next to us rise from his chair.  The dining area was packed for sunset so there was no space between tables.  As he rose, I realized he was huge!  Quite tall and quite big - like a linebacker.  He said in a gentle voice - can I help you?

I thought to myself, we just need one good punch and Mark's throat will open.  Sure, I said as I stepped back.  The giant man wrapped his bear like arms around Mark's upper stomach and pressed. I heard some air coming into Mark's throat, at the same time he grabbed  my arm as if to confirm it.

Ok, Ok - I think we got it now, I said to the giant. Thank you so much.  Mark started to catch his breath and sat down.  We looked around and everyone looked relieved and happy to get back to their evening.  Then the manager showed up to tell us that EMS was on their way.

EMS and paperwork

All of  a sudden 2 EMS showed up with crash gear and equipment threading their way through the crowded room.  Yes we are fine, thank you.  No need for any assistance.  Alas, we had to do paperwork.

As we left the restaurant to walk the beach for sunset, people reached out to Mark to ask how he was, and to say they were happy to see he was OK.  Mark said - I think I'm famous.  I said, no - INfamous.

Then to sunset!