I boarded the bus to go to town. It was raining slightly and the first leaves of fall were lying on the ground. It was only a twenty minute bus ride and yet after about 11 minutes, my life has changed forever. The bus was full with shoppers and school children, and a woman, I guess she was about 26 years old got on the bus. I stood up to let her have my seat and moved about 8 seats further back and on the opposite side. Two stops later, fortunately in one way I suppose, the bus almost emptied when it pulled up and let the kids off at the school. We were about to turn left when a truck lost control and careered into the bus. I was knocked to the floor and ended up under the seat. Fortunately, a bag that another passenger had left under their seat stopped my head from smashing into the metalwork.
I managed to get up and made my way to the front of the bus. It was at this point that I found the woman who I had given my seat up for lying on the floor. I managed to reach her, and discovered that she was unconscious. I attempted CPR on her and tried to revive her with the kiss of life. A short time later the emergency services arrived and continued to try and revive her. Unfortunately they were unsuccessful and I heard the doctor say that she had died.
I was taken to the hospital where they treated me for a mild concussion and I was brought home later on yesterday evening and givien a couple of headache pills. I came on here and tried to act as normal, but I eventually went to bed and cannot sleep.
I can't get her face out of my head, and I feel terrible because neither I nor the medics were able ro save her,
I have a feeling of guilt now for giving up my seat for her.
It should have been me and not her.

I was very touched by your story..I am sorry for your anguish but, You can not carry that guilt with you forever....You did what you thought was a good deed..I lost My only sister four months after i myself had been shot..I was angry and asked why her so much I hated god and everything..One day someone told me to stop..My life was still here and maybe she was taken to be saved from a far worse fate..I have to live and keep her memory alive. And to say thank you. I must do something with my life that is good and unselfish...find a way to repay the gift of life no torment your soul with guilt and grief...jmo
xoxoPeaches.

It happened how it was meant to happen. One life is not better than another. For whatever reason it was her time to go. Your children won't have to bury you. I'm so glad you are alright and I suspect it will take a while for you to process this horrific event. I will send love and positive vibes your way and pray for the woman and her family.

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww (((((((((((((UK))))))))))))

Her purpose was served......what is yours?

Being involved like that - hmmm, perspective comes into play big time. Sometimes, you just have to accept when it's time, it's time - be it your's or someone else's. Love, UK, yes grieve by all means, but remember the love. This is gonna sound stupid, but here it is anyway - she knew.

Your purpose in life is not finished,If it was than it would of been you instead of this lady.
Take this with you forever and always hold her dear to your heart as she was and still is your guardian angel.

Survivor guilt sucks.

When you feel strong enough, Tom, perhaps find out her name, and her family, and visit with them, perhaps they need some support too.

You did all you could...and I know it sucks, when it feels it wasn't enough.

As to how, what, and why....the questions will do your head in....it's easy to say let it go....and much harder to do it...

Be gentle with yourself, and take the time needed to heal, both physically, and emotionally.

You did everything right.

Thanks Jess, and everyone. I'm just going to try and carry on with life, even though it will take some time to get over it.
Her father phoned me about 10 minutes ago and asked me to go to see him and his wife at the weekend. He apparently wants to meet me on Saturday. Physical scars heal quickly, but the mental ones go on for a while.

Sorry to hear about your ordeal, I am glad you are ok. Your kindness will go far as a comfort to her parents.

It was'nt your time UK...

Hope you feel better...

it wasint time for u to leave people still need u on earth

oh ...........(((((((((((((((UK))))))))))))))))))

it should not have been you , accidents happen , you where extremely lucky , I saw a 15 year old girl die once , it was at the falls , and she was on the other side of the river , and I had my 2 children with me and they where very young , I could see that the people trying to save her didnt know what they where doing , didnt know cpr...I know cpr ...but I couldnt run off from my little ones up river over bridge and down river to her to help ..but to this day I wonder if maybe I should have could have ... she was so young and she died ... the water was very cold there is more time to revive some one in those conditions , ...

you did the polite thing offering her your seat , theres no way you could have known that seat was a bad place to be, try not to let the guilt and sorrow get to you to badly , it was an accident........

UK...OMG...what a sad story....i sit here crying reading it...Im sorry that u had to go thru that....and God spared your life even as you were trying to spare hers....for that..God will be eternally grateful for sending Him a beautiful angel to help Him...so be strong!!! YOu will be ok...good luck and God Bless you!

omg tom tom. i am sooooo sorry. sometimes things happen for a reason and we dont always understand those reasons. god didnt feel it was your time to go or u wouldnt be here. u are a wonderful man with a big heart. dont feel guilty for trying to be a compassionate person about giving ur seat to someone who needed it. god knew what u were going to do and obviously there are bigger and better things out there for u. ur purpose has not been fully served yet and i for one am thankful for that. i luv u and u are my best friend tom tom. i am always here if u need me. i hope ur feeling better. get some rest and try to focus on ur life as being a gift!!