ON Monday I had one of the best experiences of my short journalism career.
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It was a case of being in the right place at the right time and aren't I glad I was.
I was halfway through an interview with a police sergeant about the circumstances surrounding a man lost in the Knowsley State Forest when over the scanner the Air Wing reported spotting him.
I didn't know Chris, nor his family and I knew little about the story but what overcame me when I heard the good news was an emotion I had never felt before.
Elation, joy, happiness, relief, exhilaration – none of these seem accurate.
I was overcome with a rush of adrenaline that stayed with me all day.
In particular, I was drawn to the body language of the emergency service personnel standing around me.
As smiles erupted and everyone's demeanors changed, I thought to myself – this is what it's all about.
It may seem cliche – don't worry that's exactly what I thought until Monday – but that's why they do it, to help people. They work as a team, rain, hail or shine and are resilient at all costs.
And for some strange reason even though I did not play a part in the search, just being there, sharing the moment with them was really powerful.
So thanks to whoever made sure I was present to watch the moment play out before my eyes – I owe you one.
It will be something I will remember for years to come.
- MADELEINE WINES, journalist