Three score ago exactly a new life entered this world. A son born to a woman who was extremely intelligent and had held a high security rank in the military during WWII which enabled her to have knowledge of what was going on in the Pacific theater before most, although she never shared that, and a man who excelled in sports and was known to be able to lick his weight in wildcats! The birth fell on the first day of deer season which disrupted the fathers plan to go afield because he had to stay home and tend to the six year old new brother who was dealing with the challenges of muscular dystrophy. That brother was fiercely loyal to his little brother despite being tortured with many feet tickles from which he couldnt defend himself. Little did any of us know he was nearing the midway point in his life. I so enjoyed the safety and security of home life that I quit school on my first day of kindergarten to return to where I felt the best. The janitor returned me to my classroom and the frantic teacher who had lost a student. I learned that I liked school, enjoyed music and had a strong fascination with and desire to be a part of disaster, whether it be big or small. Entering into emergency medical services at the age of 14 I immediately felt I had found my niche and it turns out this was true as I still thrive on the atmosphere of emergency services. Over the years I have made mistakes but everything I have done and experienced has brought me to this very point in time and I wouldnt wish it any other way. I have had the honor and privilege of attempting to help people in medical crisis and have even been present with many people who had arrived at the end of their life, including my Mom and Dad, some who shared their last words with me....an experience of untold depth and responsibility. I have only once been blessed with the opportunity to assist with the entry of a new life, Amber, but I will never forget it. I have witnessed the birth of my two sons who have brought me unimaginable joy. I have been an intimate part of three families, two of which I allowed to slip though my fingers and one which I currently hold onto with all my might. And I am lucky enough to still be considered a part of all three. I have come to a point where I am able to relish in the love of my wife, Kim, who I adore her son and daughter (the daughter I never had myself) and my two sons. I will never (yes, I know Fievel, never say never!) let go of the life and family I have right now. I have come to recognize several words that shape and define my life....integrity, honesty, trust, compassion, respect, tradition and love. I like everyone I encounter equally and immensely...until they open their mouth! These last sixty years have been a wonderful saga, unique and filled with pain and joy. Once in Sunday School a classmate expressed his thoughts on lifespan. He said that God has set an alarm clock for each and every one of us and when our clock alarms, its time to leave this earth an go home to God and Jesus. I look forward to my next sixty years or when my alarm clock sounds, whichever comes first. If you are reading this and decided to take the time to finish it, I consider you a cherished friend. I will leave you with a quote from a man, an angel, who I cared for when he was rendered a quadriplegic from multiple sclerosis but had a brilliant mind. Roy Siegel frequently stated Offer up a short prayer for someone less fortunate than you, and you know these people exist! Thank you for being a part of my life. I love you all.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Nov 2014 09:17:17 +0000