| September 11, 2001. Ironically, it is National 911 Day. As a 911 dispatcher and volunteer paramedic/firefighter this was supposed to be a day of celebration. A chance for those of us who work everyday to save lives to be recognized for the work we do. Instead, we are devastated as we watched the once magnificent World Trade Center Towers crumble before us. As a writer I find it incredibly difficult to find the words to express what I was feeling as I watched those towers come down, knowing that, not only had we lost our fellow citizens, but some of our brave brothers and sisters who were trying to save them. I feel as though I have lost a large part of my family. My heart bleeds, my mind never stops thinking of them, and my voice stays strong with prayers for them. That day, I was working as a 911 dispatcher. Though my thoughts were on the events around our nation, I still had to manage the emergencies that never stop--some more severe than others--and I was struck with the startling realization that life does indeed go on. Our nation had been dealt a devastating blow, yet there were some of our fellow citizens that still needed the neighbors dog to stop barking so they could sleep--others still prowled the night, stealing from each other. It was all so petty that I wanted to scream. Didn't they understand? We had just lost so many of our people...but that is the curse of the emergency services. WE will always have job security. I don't mean to sound cras, or unfeeling, but that was my perception that day. I had a job to do--just as my brothers and sisters in New York, Washington DC and Pittsburgh did. I commend them for their bravery and the dedication they have shown. I cannot being to phathom what they have been through; I can only hope that my message reaches them somehow. I am proud to be an American today. I am proud to be a part of the incredible emergency services of our nation. But most of all, I am proud to be able to call those brave men and women my brothers and sisters. God Bless you all!!! |
