This is an example of a journal entry.

1. January 8, 1929
Dear Diary,
I woke up late today and it was freezing cold. I regarded my hours of
sleep were not enough after a week-long missionbeing accomplished.Well,
I could still remember one of my New Year Eve’s wishes, to have an
adventurous year! Little did I know that right on the very first day would be
the start of an unforgettable expedition.
On the afternoon of January first, I still had a hangover from the New
Year’s Eve celebration when I received a phone call from the officials of
Edmonton’s Ministry of Health. They were asking me if I could deliver
diphtheria antitoxin to Fort Vermilion.Itmade me recall the serious diphtheria
epidemic that broke out in Little Red River. I was afraid at first thinking that I
might risk my own life but I felt pity for the people who were suffering
diphtheria and I knew that I could be of help even if there was an ounce of
threat to my own health. I immediately contacted Vic Horner, my business
partner, and a close friend. We discussed and interrogated each other. We
knew for a fact that it was not a simple flight but a matter of life and death.
Later on, we both decided that we will be helping the people of Little Red
River.

2. After having a coffee the next day, Vic and I were busy double-
checking the open-cockpitaircraft. Despite the freezing weather outside at -
30° Celsius, we were determined to transport 600,000 units of diphtheria
antitoxin that Edmonton’s health officials had entrusted to us. I was really
excited and at the same time, I was too nervous. I knew that our aircraft was
not ideal but we have to take the risk to bring the medicine to the seriously ill
people of Little Red River.

3. Vic Horner receives the package of Diphtheria antitoxin to be
transported to Fort Vermillion, Alberta, on January 2, 1929.
A fewminutes after our take-off,we discoveredthat one of the blankets
was on fire. The health workers enveloped the antitoxin with a blanket and
put a charcoal heater to keep it from freezing. Vic and I were terrified and
immediately decided to have an emergency landing. We threw out the
blankets and heater. Whew! Thank God, we’re safe! We took off again but it
was getting dark already and the cold was unbearable. We landed at
McLennan where we spent the whole night with the assistance of health
officials in that area.
By the morning of January third, we had eaten a heavy breakfast, took
some snacks, and we were ready to go. I was really thankful for the good
breakfast. Somehow, it lessened my stress and worries for another day of
facing the freezing weather. We tookoff with the hope that we would be able
to deliver the antitoxin. I got frostbite already and even Vic but our flight had
to continue. There were a lot of suffering people waiting for us. We were
optimistic that we can make it!
Finally, we landed at Fort Vermillion before the sunset. The antitoxins
were delivered bya dogsledto the Little Red River.Everyone was vaccinated
that led to the stoppage of the diphtheria epidemic. That incident made me

4. cry and I even saw Vic sobbing too at a corner. We were tired, hungry,
frostbitten, and almost met an accident but after all of those experiences, it
was indeed a mission accomplished! We were able to send help and save
lives. We made it!
This is not just my story. I share this victory with my best friend, Vic.
They say, no man is an island and it is true! I cannot do it alone. Itwas a very
exhausting but a fulfilling adventure! Those experiences are truly worth-
keeping both in my mind and in my heart forthey have taught me life lessons
to endure the hardships and to be grateful for the opportunity to help save
people’s lives.I am truly elated with what I have beenthrough togetherwith

5. Vic because those memories will forever be emblazoned in my mind.
Conversely, the joy of helping others is simply an indescribable feeling. I
have to sleep now. Good night!
Until the next adventure,
Wilfrid "Wop" May
WORKS CITED
Kristy von Moos. A matterof life and death:Diphtheria outbreakin Little
Red River,Alberta.Web.January 28, 2019.
https://ingeniumcanada.org/channel/articles/a-matter-of-life-and-
death-diphtheria-outbreak-in-little-red-river-alberta
Episode 6:Service and Sacrifice (1916 - 1929), "Wop" May becomes a
hero twice over(1918,1929).Web.March 14, 2017.
https://www.cbc.ca/2017/canadathestoryofus/csou-episodes/episode-
6-service-and-sacrifice-1916-1929-1.4024433