Memorial Day is a day to honor the fallen military heroes that have died protecting our lives and our way of life. It is a very sad day that has been overshadowed by a day off from work, bbqs with family, and rest. As a wife of a firefighter I usually extend these days of reflection of those military personnel to our local fire and police departments. They don’t fight for our freedom in war. But they are willing to lay down their lives for you without hesitation. They are willing to serve and protect families here, on US soil, so that you may have the comfort of sleeping soundly at night knowing that they will be there in minutes if needed.
.
This Memorial Day is a very sad one for me. Early Monday morning there was a 6 alarm fire in Dallas. I saw it by looking on the ipad early in the morning and was awake within seconds when reading the words missing firefighter. I quickly checked to see if Scott would have been there. And of course he would. It was close to his district. I worry by nature. I always have. So I tried not to worry about it but couldn’t help it. I was glued to the tv trying to see something. For about 50 minutes all I could do is watch and wonder what was going on. The news said they hadn’t heard from his radio since 5:30am. He was trapped because part of the building collapsed. My sister, whom I am so blessed lives very close, came over and took Jack to school so I could watch the news. And then the phone rang. It was not a number or name that I knew but it was Scott. He said a few simple words, “I am ok. He is one of ours. I don’t know when I’ll be home.” It wouldn’t be until later that day that I would learn what happened. That the roof had collapse. That two other firefighters got hurt but were ok. And that my husband was in there with them. Saturday was the funeral. All of the wives of the firefighters came together to support one of our own. You see it could have been any one of us sitting in a different place on that day. A hero who gave his life for another.
.
.
Today I would hope that you honor the fallen men and women who gave their lives in combat. But I would also hope that you recognize the fallen men and women who give their lives at home. In our family I always say that my son has some good men to look up to, his dad is a firefighter, his uncle is in the Army, and his other uncle is a police officer. He has great role models of service and courage. Let’s honor them all.
.
.
(photo above credit wfaa.com)
(photo above credit wfaa.com)
.
.
(below are quick instagram shots from me)
.
.
.
.
.
.
