June 23, 2012
The story that I’m about to address finds me grappling for how. My emotions are so mixed as I consider whether or not the people involved, more precisely, the people for whom National Park Ranger Hall died, might have used more care in their ascent up Mt. Ranier. (See details)
I am a very new resident to the beautiful state of Washington. This 14,411 foot majesty wows me each and every day! This same “majestic wow” is at the center of the cessation of a life, a life who knew, at least in theory that because of what he chose to do for a living, he might very well face such a day as he did on June 21, 2012.
Here’s a smidgen of a recap of my emotions and thoughts: Since these unsung heroes, each of them; ALL of them, willingly put their lives on the marketplace in the event we, as a community… a city… a state …. a nation …. and a world may need them, does it not behoove us to use caution, care, and VIGILANCE to safeguard them? This is yet another horrific tragedy that I do hope will cause all who know of it to search deep within in hopes of making a difference, no matter how small, for our heroes while they are alive. Do we not owe it to them? Really think about it and step out to dialogue around it.
June 21, 2012
It’s been awhile since I’ve visited this tab. Tonight, I’d like to highlight someone very dear to my heart and the heart of our entire family. He happens to be my firstborn who, more often than not, faces imminent dangers, tales of which he keeps tucked inside far away from his family’s embrace. Still, I do have some firsthand experience with their existence.
As a nine year old, our home was engulfed in flames. In fact, the inferno came within inches of my newborn baby sister’s head as she lay asleep in her crib. Years later, the unimaginable happened: my maternal grandparents lost two homes due to the angry rage of fire – one was electrical; the other set by a suspected arsonist. As both an EMT and firefighter, I suspect that Shamar has faced all of these conditions and much more.
Tonight, I want to honor him and all of his colleagues, around the globe. Thank you, Shamar! And, to every EMT, to every Firefighter, a personal thank you from my heart. You are each a hero in your own right!
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When he’s not fighting fires, Shamar can be found in a Mixed Martial Artists’ cage, battling it out with an opponent.
Military Families’ Week
Let’s join Michelle Obama and Jill Biden with gratefulness and hearty “thank you” to all who have and are serving in our armed forces, as well as to their sacrificing families. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/12/michelle-obama-exclusive-_n_1407059.html
PBS is doing an outstanding job with its Makers’ profiles of women and their significant contributions to society. I’ve enjoyed too many to recount including Hillary Clinton, Katie Couric, and, just today, Diane Nash. What a force she was during a very sensitive period in history alongside a very sensitive time in her personal life:
Please visit: http://www.makers.com/blog
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Remembering slain border agent, Brian Terry, who was finishing up his shift in December, 2010. The remote stretch of Arizona desert he patroled was known as the most dangerous drug-smuggling, human-trafficking route along the U.S.-Mexican border. Terry’s death ignited the government’s Fast and Furious investigation.
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~ 4.11.12
Rambling Thoughts
This story is very close to my heart as a member of my family is a firefighter. That said, I thought I’d heard most if not all of the insane conditions that far too many are invited to. Not so! This one grabs like no other:
Tonight, I’m feeling especially thankful for all of the civil servants who put their lives on the line, day in and day out. Yet, I’m particularly saddened and disturbed thinking about the wife, children, parents, siblings, relatives and friends of Deriek W. Crouse. Officer Crouse was senselessly killed this week on the campus of Virginia Tech. That said, memories from the 2007 campus rampage arise. Will the mayhem ever cease? How can I help? Can I?
Then, my mind travels to EMTs and Firefighters. With each blast of the bell they dash to the emergency site whether accidents, altercations, or fires. There’s even a certain firefighter that’s on my heart more than the others, along with his firehouse and comrades. Just today, he’s already faced at least one blazing incident.
When the alarm comes, these heroes have no idea what they’ll find on the other side. Most often they pull individuals from the flames. This one, however, really grabbed me! The end result from enduring impairment by the heat of the inferno and gasping for air in the midst of billowing smoke were dogs and cats. I’m not sure how many engine companies and personnel were summoned to the site, but it’s normally not one. (Let me know how you feel about it).
Another Soldier Lost!
After fourteen tours, Army Ranger Kristoffer Domeij is dead. Although I believe that he should have long ago come home and stayed, he was indeed a hero! I can only hope that if he left a wife, children, or parents who depended on him for their daily existence, behind, that we, this great America, will assume those responsibilities for him and every other soldier that’s met the same outcome. Thank you, each and everyone for your service!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/tk_n_1035286.html?icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl15|sec1_lnk3|108010
webloggingjournalist 
To the Domeij Family: I’m praying for you and your loss.
To the Crouse Family: I’m very sorry for your loss and will be praying for you!
To the Hall and Terry families, my heart and prayers are with you!