I’ve got so many things spinning around my brain, each one a thing I want to try and dive into before I dodder off into retirement.
But then, the weekend happened, and plans, as they often do, changed.
And before I go any further, I need to offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone that reached out to me, whether by text, phone call, or comments; made either on social media, IRL, or in the comments here, for the kind words and thoughts. There were more than a few that brought tears to my eyes and I’m so truly grateful for each of you.
I was also fortunate that my friend, the internationally known podcaster, Seth Rainwater and his Dad, Rick, drove up from south Arkansas to hang out with me for a few days before I get out of here. The timing was random, but couldn’t have been more fortuitous, given Sophie’s demise. We had many laughs the last couple days and Seth rode with us for the first half of the shift yesterday.
Typically, when we have a rider with us, we suffer what is commonly referred to as the “curse of the rider” which means, in a nutshell, we get shut out. As in, no calls for the day. Seth, however, shattered that curse. Two calls back to back right out of the chute at 7:00 AM, were followed by ten more before dinner. Twelve calls, in the first twelve hours, plus EMS training made for a very busy day, but the timing was really quite good since neither lunch nor dinner was terribly affected. We finished the shift off by running two after Seth left and two more after midnight, so for my next-to-last shift, sixteen was the not-so-sweet total. For a little reference, on average, as a department, we run sixteen calls per day. Yesterday, we busted the curve. Not that I mind, as I’ve said, I take great pride in working out of the busiest house in town so in my mind, this was a pretty good way to start sliding into home plate.
Of course, if the powers that be decide to pitch a shutout at us on Friday, I’m perfectly fine with that too.
Just sayin’
I have many more things I want to say, and a person or two that I want to say some things about, but today, instead, I think I’d like to focus on my guys.
I’ve been blessed throughout my career, to have worked with some incredibly skilled firefighters and paramedics. I listed some of those guys a post or two back, and I meant everything I said, but I didn’t mention my current crew, because I knew I wanted to tip my proverbial hat to them here. In order of seniority- Rob my brand new Lieutenant, is off to a fine start (except for questioning my judgement on whether I can fit the engine through a tight spot, or know the best way to get around MY STILL DISTRICT) fitting in quite nicely to our little family on the fly and that’s not an easy task. He’s very bright, reads a room well, uses each of our strengths well and gives us enough leash to have a little fun, while keeping us reined in enough to keep out of trouble. I have no doubt he’ll continue to cultivate these guys to become the best they can be. Wink is our wounded warrior, he’s been off for several months after a work-related injury. One of his light-duty assignments was working the reception desk at Village Hall. He’s quite popular with the ladies that work there. As we’re fond of telling him, it’s taken him 24 years, but he’s finally found his niche. TJ is one of the smartest guys I’ve worked with and he’s got a huge heart. He and his wife do advocacy work for disadvantaged kids and I can’t think of a better way to sing his praises than that. Bob has a twisted ish sense of humor that helps keep things loose around the firehouse, but to classify him as a joker diminishes his abilities on the job. Mike is our new guy. He’s often the butt of our jokes, as a new guy should be, and he accepts our slings and arrows with great humor. Plus, as I like to tell him when he says something a little odd, he’s so pretty. To his credit though, he no longer thinks everyone’s first name is Kevin, so learning has occurred. Collectively we’re a high functioning group, and we’ve established a great bond in our time together. I don’t, for one second, believe they’ll skip a single beat after the festival to me has finished and I’ve moved on and I’m more than a little disappointed in myself for not having a picture of these guys to post up in here.
I think I’ve mentioned it before, while there will be many things I won’t miss around here, hanging out with my guys is something I’m going to miss greatly for a very long time. We shared many laughs and many unforgettable moments and those will carry me through for a long time as well. I truly cherish each and every one of you and I’ll carry the five of you with me for rest of my days.
Mi casa su casa.
And, speaking of casa, it’s time for me to make my way to mine. Empty, for the first time. Sigh.
Peace