Story Archive

Time On His Hands

Waitress Alina Benge was in for a tough weekend shift at the Trifecta Grill in Winnetka, Ill.: they were short a busboy. She decided to call her father, who had recently retired, to see if he’d fill in. “Just because he’s had the time on his hands,” she said. “He’s been around the house, and you know, not doing a whole lot.” He agreed. “He wasn’t here for more than five minutes with his apron on and a lady had stopped breathing from choking,” says restaurant owner Patrick O’Neil. Benge’s father jumped into action. “Did the Heimlich maneuver,” said Benge’s father — Dr. Bill Benge, a Harvard trained cardiologist. The woman is fine. “I kind of go back in my mind and say, what if he wasn’t here?” Alina Benge pondered. “I’m just so lucky my dad was here that night.” (RC/WGN Chicago) ...But not as lucky as the choking woman was.