While I was out-of-town, the fall edition of the biannual, official, Illinois retired fire guy magazine (pro tip- not its real name) came in the mail. That being said, I’m taking this opportunity to share what I wrote back then here with you today. Like I said when I started doing the regular column for the magazine; A.) I was (still am) thrilled to be asked to submit something and B.) going to share them here after a new article gets published.
So, here goes…
I recently had to travel back to the frozen tundra of northern Illinois. My Local, DGPFFA #3234, had our Recognition Dinner. We do this event every year to honor retirees from the previous year, and since I qualified, I came back for the festivities. Since I’m now on a fixed income, I’d typically drive but due to time constraints, this time I flew.
For the trip home I chose casual attire, which included my union logo’d jacket. I’m proud of my Union; Local 3234, the AFFI, and the IAFF and I don’t mind representing when I’m out in public.
Brief side-track…
A few years ago, maybe 2013 or 14, I was helping the fellas collect for MDA. I was positioned on one of the busiest intersections in town; west bound Butterfield Road at Finley Road. At one point as I was strolling among the cars stopped at the light, I saw a woman, sitting in the front passenger seat, reach in to her purse. Of course I stopped at her window. An older woman along with her husband (I assume) driving a fairly recent model, full-size, Cadillac. Big money, right? I leaned over as she rolled down her window and as soon as the window opened the hubby leaned over and asked what we were collecting for. I politely told him we were collecting for MDA, “you know, Jerry’s kids.” Even though Jerry Lewis no longer did the telethon I still used that line, especially with folks my age or older. As the wife deposited a dollar in change (I wish I was making that part up) the husband said, and I quote, “Oh, good. I thought this was some union thing” Before they pulled away I said “Oh don’t worry sir, it is a union thing, thanks!” and laughed to myself as they drove off.
Back to the matter at hand.
So, while sitting at the gate at O’Hare, waiting for the return trip to North Carolina, a gentleman came over and sat down a couple seats away from me. He looked at my jacket and asked if I was a firefighter. I told him I was, that I was actually a recently retired firefighter. Then he said, with complete sincerity “Thank you for your service.” I thanked him for his kind words, but assured him the pleasure was all mine. I meant it too. I loved being “on-the-job” as much as anything I’ve done and all the good times that came along with it too. But when someone from the general public drops a “TYFYS” on me, I get a little twitchy. Don’t get me wrong, I like a compliment as well as the next person. Still, something about it just doesn’t feel right. I mean, after all, we’re just doing what we get paid to do, right? And I may be wrong, but I think most of us got into this business for many things other than accolades.
So, my retired brethren and sisteren, (that may not be a word by the way) I’m looking for a little help here. Do I just need to get over this or is there a better way to handle unsolicited yet genuine thanks for doing something I loved doing? Any suggestions are welcome. And, uh, TYFYS…
There you have it. I actually liked the first one better than this one, but I guess they can’t all be Pulitzer worthy…
That still holds true btw, I still don’t know how to respond when somebody tosses out a sincere “TYFYS” to me. I mean, on occasion another fire guy will hand one out, but it’s totally different, kind of snarky when given to one another, so it’s easy to laugh off. Oh well, I guess I just continue to smile and say “It was my pleasure” because, truly, it was.
One last thing before I head off to my next errand. I’m not sure if I’ll get anything out between now and Election Day (caps mine) and I just want to take a few seconds to remind you of the importance. I don’t care what your political beliefs are, (ok, that’s a lie, I do, but it’s still your right to vote. Even when you’re voting for the wrong person…) to me, the single most American thing you can do is get. out. and. vote. So please, get up off your couch and go do it. This midterm is a very important election. They all are, but this one more than most. So instead of my usual sign off, I think I’ll leave you with this instead…
Vote.
Joel, I too am always humbled by the TYFYS comment. My initial response was similar to yours, thank you. But I’ve quickly learned that for what I hope is perceive is as a sincere gesture, I reply in kind…”thank you for your support”. I think that’s important in today’s day and age, with local politicians making decisions that impact our ability to serve and our livelihood. I think it’s equally important for the public to know, we need them too.