9-11
8 years have now passed since the 11th of September, 2001...or as most of us call it 9-11. That is the year I got started on this little endeavor. I have seen many milestones in my 32, almost 33 years. Some good, some bad, and everything in between. Most folks recognize 9-11 as a special day of remembrance, for so many were killed. Some from being in the wrong place at the wrong time, some because they were simply where they where supposed to be, and some because of a choice of profession. That day is special to me not because I knew somebody that was there, or lost a loved one. You see I am a paramedic. That was my choice of profession. I am also a firefighter, I serve as a volunteer "professional", serving my community at no fee. I sincerely believe that all "Emergency workers", I hate that term, are part of a large somewhat dysfunctional family. My brothers and sisters in the emergency services, be they police officers, firefighters, EMS'ers, air medical flight crews and so on, have a common bond to each other. Most wear or display some piece of symbolism for our craft, and profession. So when one of us is lost in the line of duty, we think about it. Granted, in my little piece of the world I would not have to enter a 100 story building to do rescue or triage. But we take chances every day. So when we get caught up in some debate over whose idea of health care is better, or what Miley Cyrus is doing with a stripper pole thhis week, or which movie star forgot her undies again, take just a minute and think about the folks who chose to do a job to help someone, just because they were in trouble, or in danger. Then think about those that they left behind. The little reminders that they see everyday. It's a group of people that you should NEVER forget. Then next time you see one of us out there, thank one of us. We don't get to hear that very often. Let us know that you appreciate us. Pull to the right when we need through to help someone, and I know that your dinner is waiting, or the dry cleaner closes soon, or little Bobby needs to get to soccer practice, but please let us by to help someone that needs it. Just one person who reminds us we are appreciated, that just comes up and says it is talked about for days. We tell our comrades, and we smile about it. All to often in our lives we take others for granted, that someone who is a professional, and is trained will come out and take care of us. It takes so much to get our training, not just the schooling, but the strain of that demand and of the job itself is so very hard on our families as well. So there may come a day when I go on a call, only to find out during the call that I won't make another one. Everyday to us can potentially be our own personal 9-11. So appreciate us, show us that you care, and remind us that we make a difference. Sometimes we forget. On this Patriot's Day, when so many lost so much, many of whom gave it all for folks they didn't know, and gave it willingly and without question, take just a moment, close your eyes and think about the ones who sacrificed so others would have a chance at life. Another day with their family, one more morning to wake up and see what's in store. Thank a cop, medic, firefighter, EMT, because we may not be around tomorrow. We may get embarassed by it, but let us know. We care for you and we don't even know you.
posted by Medic 4 at 7:01 PM
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