“Allowed to be heroic”
Every day we have heroes who leave their loved ones behind to help others. Our military warriors risk their lives to protect this great country, our law enforcement officers put on a bullet proof vest and go to work making our communities safe, our firefighters and paramedics respond to horrific fires and scenes to preserve life, and the dispatchers for public safety agencies calm stresses of others while multitasking through chaotic incidents. These men and women know the risks but often do it without thinking. We have teachers, coaches, volunteers and others who daily make a difference in the lives of our communities often with little to no pay. Most of these people will tell you they are not heroes….this is merely what they love and choose to do.
I recently lost a mentor of mine to cancer. He was not only a supervisor of mine but a friend, brother, and hero to me. This man spent his life dedicating his time to helping others. He was a police officer, lacrosse coach, teacher, husband, and the father of three amazing children. Like many who lose loved ones, I couldn’t help but think of how unfair death is. We all know we will take our last breath at some point but we hope it’s long after our time and we are 96 sitting on our front porch swing. We don’t expect to get called home while our children are still in school, our careers are thriving, and our relationships are far from over. I thought of his family and how they must be feeling. His family constantly sacrificed so he could spend time helping others only to lose him far too early in life.
I thought of my own family. How much time I spend away from home doing things I feel the need to do. When I started in law enforcement eleven years ago, I believed I could change the world. Even though experience has jaded me, I still feel the need to try to make a difference. I am in no way heroic, but my family makes me feel that I am doing something good in this dark world. When I’ve worked back to back shifts, overtime due to late calls, and then still feel the need to work on my day off to cover my brothers and sisters … my amazing wife sighs and says, “Fine, go save the world.” Not that I need ask for it, but I have the permission to make a difference.
When I think of the heroes out there like Chris Hall and JD DeGuzman, I think of their family’s sacrifice. Those that love the heroes of this world surrender their own will so others can be affected. These men and women are given permission to go save the world….they are ALLOWED TO BE HEROIC.
To the families of those who give of their time, talents, and risk their lives…thank you. Thank you for your sacrifice and for allowing your loved one to be heroic. Together, we can make a difference.
This blog post, while not worthy, is a dedication to Sgt. Christopher Hall and his heroic family. Working with Sgt. Hall allowed my family to become friends with and enjoy the company of his. The world is better because of the Hall family and we are eternally grateful. You all allowed him to be heroic and I have come to realize through these tough times that I don’t hold on to Jesus…He holds on to me.
David
