Commentary

  

Thanksgiving Reflections

 

Ok, so I know it is past Thanksgiving, but here are my reflections for us to ponder at this time of year. These ramblings are based upon the two words.....thanks and giving.

 

Let us take time and give thanks for our family and friends at a time when so many people have lost their loved ones in the World Trade center Tragedy and the crash of flight 587.

 

That one was easy, but let us give thanks for our co-workers that we may not necessarily like, associate, or mingle with. They provide us a reminder that we are all diverse and not all alike. This may be uncomfortable for us at times, but it can be a positive thing if you think of it in this light.

 

Give thanks that as emergency service providers we belong to the finest profession in the world. When sitting around the station bemoaning our current department's situation, remember there is not a finer job.

 

Be thankful that we live in America. It is a simple one but we forget.

 

Give of ourselves by providing training to younger members of our job.

 

Give of ourselves by providing and sharing our negative and positive experiences with others.

 

Give of ourselves by being an active participant in our families.

 

Give 100 % at your job....even when it hurts!

 

Give blood.

 

Give a little something to those less fortunate than you. Whatever you can do, money, food, clothing....just a little something.

 

Give of yourself by visiting the elderly. Get permission, take a pump, ladder or ambulance and make arrangements to visit your local senior citizens center. Not to give a fire safety talk, not to bring Santa, but to sit and have lunch, talk and visit with the elderly of the community. Some of them have limited family and social lives and they would be more than happy to have an hour of your time.

 

In general, at this time of reflection, take care of yourself. As responders we are always looking out for the well being of others. Take care of yourself and your family and instead of focusing on the things you do not have in life, whatever they may be, take stock of all of the things you do have.

It feels real good.

 

Count your blessings, and stay safe!