Chuck Montgomery, a former Glendale fire captain, is currently battling lymphoma and receives treatment at the City of Hope. There, he encountered Christy Lessnau, a nurse who turns out to have been the recipient of his heroism many years ago.
In 1996, Christy was involved in a severe car accident caused by a drunk driver. Chuck, then a Glendale firefighter, was among the first responders on the scene. His quick and courageous actions were crucial in rescuing Christy from the wreckage. His bravery played a key role in saving her life that fateful day.
As Chuck underwent his second chemotherapy session, Christy made a startling realization about their shared history. After she learned that Chuck was a firefighter, she couldn’t help but ask more questions. Christy said, “Then I asked which department he worked for, and he said Glendale. I asked, ‘Do you know a gentleman named Raleigh?’ He said, ‘Yeah, he was my driver engineer.’ I was like, ‘Really? Raleigh was one of the guys who saved my life.’ I asked, ‘Do you know a Chuck?’ I’ll never forget, he took his hat off and said, ‘I’m Chuck.'”
Chuck’s courage and response were instrumental in saving Christy’s life.
Now, in a profound demonstration of how God can intervene and save us through others, Christy found herself in a position to return the favor. As she administered care and support to Chuck during his treatments, their story became a powerful reminder of how God authors the stories of our lives. Christy had become the hands and feet of Jesus for Chuck, mirroring the compassion and support he once offered her.
“Unfortunately, this is not the way I would want to see anyone, especially someone who saved my life,” Christy said. “But it was a great moment and really surreal just to thank him again.”
Chuck and Christy’s story highlights the profound ways in which God uses individuals to intervene in our lives, demonstrating that compassion and care can come back to us in unexpected and meaningful ways. As they navigate these challenging times together, their reunion stands as a testament to the enduring impact of divine love and the remarkable full-circle moments that define our lives.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”