The Best of Us...
September 11, 2001 I called my brother, a firefighter, and told him he was a hero. He laughed. He said he wasn't a hero. Each department had a guy whose only job was to put a foot in the ass of the firefighters to shove them into the burning buildings.
Funny guy.
Humble guy.
My brother. My Hero.
September 11, 2006 My brother was hospitalized with incurable cancer. It was a very aggressive, very rare angio sarcoma. I took him a Bible and in it I wrote, still my hero.
My brother passed away a month later.
Today He is still my hero.
And on this day...remember them all.
The firefighters, the soldiers, the police...the brave men and women who keep us safe.
The people who go to work when life goes to hell.
They are the best of us.
They deserve our honor, our respect, and our tribute.
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Beautifully written, Elizabeth. My uncle is a firefighter - and I am very proud of what he does. :)
ReplyDeleteGive your uncle a hug for me! There is something special about people like him. Angels who seem to curse a lot and drink a lot of beer. But angels still...
DeleteWonderful tribute, Elizabeth. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks David. :)
DeleteBeautifully said, Elizabeth. Just beautiful. My thoughts go to you and your family today.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shiela. There are so many like him and they are all beautiful.
DeleteSorry about your brother but he truly was a hero based on what you wrote.
ReplyDeleteThe people who go to work when life goes to hell.
So true, I salute them all. And you too Liz for reminding us.
Thanks Sheena-kay. He was a special guy, as are so many others.
DeleteIt's the heroes that never think they are one. They all say they just do their jobs or do what's right without any expectation of recognition. Those are true heroes.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless Your Brother and all the heroes!
You said it just right Gwen. They don't ask for glory or even money. Amazing people.
DeleteI'm sorry for your loss. Your brother really was a hero. It takes brave men and women to do those jobs.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post.
Thank you Rachel. :)
DeleteAw, tears are welling in my eyes. *sniff sniff*
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you lost your brother. Sounds like he was amazing. I'm married to a firefighter, and they really are incredible people.
Yes they are. And when he was sick the firefighters took such good care of him...they even put a new roof on his house. Now, that's a family!
DeleteYou did such a lovely job with this, Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest brother was too. I lost him ten years before you lost yours. There were many things about him I loved and respected.
I have the utmost respect for those put their life on the line everyday.
Sia McKye OVER COFFEE
Sorry to hear that Sia. I've found it doesn't matter whether it's been 10 years or one...there are just some days you miss being able to see them. But I guess that's why we have to keep the faith and know we will eventually.
Delete*sniff* This is a beautiful post and tribute, Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly deserve the utmost respect.
Thanks Medeia :)
DeleteHey you,
ReplyDeleteYou know you get huge ((LIZ)) hugs from me for the loss of your brother and I hope that the pain decreases as the years go by and that the happy memories increase as the time flies by.
Liz, I hope you don't mind that I'm forwarding this post to my BFF, Cormac, an Irish firefighter from Leeds in England...
And, I hope you watch the video above, Cormac, because it is men (and women) like you and Kenneth "Grub" Hartman that fill me with hope that my three boys will grow and look up to heroes like you and Ken.
Thanks for sharing, Liz.
Stay safe, Cormac, ya feckin' culchie :)
Of course I don't mind. And hugs and love to you from me Cormac!! Stay safe; wear your mask in the fires my good man!
DeleteAnd thanks Mark. As a believer, I know it's a temporary parting. But I like to remember him now and again and pay tribute...like a celestial knuckle bump to remind him he's always in my heart.
This is such a beautifully written post!
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com
Thanks Gina. :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful tribute. I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa. So many of us lose those we love...I think it helps feel connected to give them a shout out now and again. :)
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