The cable guy was finishing up, having spent a few hours in my house. It's tough not to figure things out about a person when you are on the inside. I spend a few minutes in a person's home and could write a book about them. I'd have to make a lot of it up, but you get the idea.
"You're the guy that writes those books."
"Yeah, I am."
"How's that going for you."
"Okay."
"My father was a firefighter."
"That's great."
"Only he never talked about the job."
"Really."
"Really."
I could tell that this was a man who didn't talk much. I never know what to expect when somebody finds out "I'm the guy who writes those books." Not everybody is a big fan. There is a culture of secrecy on the job.
What happens at work, stays at work.
I tried that. It wasn't working. After a few years of sobriety I started writing. I haven't stopped. I haven't had a drink either. I traded one obsession for another; one was killing me, the other helps me live.
"What's he doing now?"
"Nothing. Had a heart attack, been dead ten years now."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. He was fifty-three. Should have talked about it."
Wow.
Wasn’t expecting that kicker at the end.
Important.
Thanks.
Hello Hilinda, neither was I! Thanks for stopping by.
Cap,
This one was great. My dad was a fire fighter for 34 years and never talked about it. I always respected him for it and often found the younger generation of fire fighter to “talk too much”. However, Your blog reveals what needs to be revealed in a mature enough manner for people to truly understand. Keep up the good work.
Capt. Conroy. Pawtucket FD
Hmmmm.
My dad too at fifty-three…
Important we all talk about it
whatever *it* is in our lives
and careers
Teach our kids to talk
about It, before we talk about them
in the past tense.
Great thoughts as always Lynda. Always good to hear from you. (my dad went at sixty-one. I think he had a lot to say, just never got the chance)
That means a lot to me, Captain, I’m never truly comfortable with all of this, it’s good to know it’s appreciated, especially from somebody who understands the ways of the job. Thank you.
And I’m drawing pictures of the external anatomy of the heart as I write this…
Succinct, as usual, my bugled friend.
Don’t be surprised if you hear from me after the semester ends in about 5 weeks. I’m planning my road trips, and Providence is on the list.
Hello Walt! Great to hear from you, good luck with the books and hope to see you soon, I’m in a new station, downtown Providence, great place to park and visit then do a little sightseeing!
Just keep writing nice man.
“Talking about the job” is not the same as chronicling the job. What you do brings respect for firefighters and their EMT brothers in a way nothing else ever could. You are not “blowing your own horn” you are letting each of us into your world for a brief moment and understanding and appreciation follow along with the visit.
Your words are needed if people are ever to understand, even minutely, what our first responders do. You touch minds and hearts and you make our citizens a little better able to be human. That counts for a whole lot Michael! So. keep on keeping on.
As “Grandma Muggle” I teach social responsibility to elementary school children. They learn that the “heroes” of the world are not football players, movie stars, TV stars or rap musicians. They are the people who risk something or go the extra mile for others and often for complete strangers. Sadly my Little Muggles understand this while, often, so called adults do not. Amazing but true.
So, thanks to all of you who fit that description.
Though you “trumpet” the stories of your day you do not “blow your own horn.” A fine line but you walk it well.
Hope the rest of your Spring is splendid.
Love, Pat.
I’ve been lax in commenting, Michael. Making a big change in my life. Busy times.
I still love reading what you write. Always emotional, often uplifting, never disappointing.
Hope you’re liking your new assignment.
So true…I wish my brother would write a little more and drink a lot less.