BETHEL — “Santa will know where to find him.”

Edleen Winslow of Bethel is looking on the bright side after her 83-year-old husband, John, fell in his driveway Dec. 7 and broke two bones in his neck. He will likely still be in the hospital for Christmas.

But that’s a minor setback compared to what might have happened that evening. Edleen had just left for work when John went out to spread ashes on the driveway to improve traction.

But he slipped and fell, gashed his head and found himself unable to move, she said Monday.

“He had a cell phone but he couldn’t use it,” Edleen said.

So for about 40 minutes, he called for help.

Fortunately, neighbor Anthony Morin and his daughters went outside during that time to get the family Christmas tree.

They heard John’s calls and rushed next door.

“He was calm and said he needed help getting up, but it was more serious than that,” said Anthony.

John had been there long enough that his clothing was frozen to the ground. The Morins also discovered he was bleeding from his head.

They called 911.

“We put our jackets and some we found in his house on him, and some blankets, to keep him warm,” said Anthony.

Bethel Rescue arrived quickly, said Anthony. They took John, who was hypothermic, to Stephens Memorial Hospital. He has since been transferred to Rumford Community Hospital.

Edleen said doctors are waiting for the swelling in his neck to go down before deciding whether surgery will be needed.

In the meantime, said Edleen, “Each day I see him there’s a big difference. He can use his hands now, and he stood up the other day.”

“That’s awesome,” said Anthony on hearing the news.

“Thank God for good neighbors,” said Edleen. “I am so grateful.”