I'm a liberal pagan living in West, Texas. Yes. That West, Texas.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

THEY WERE FIRST RESPONDERS



So I'm sitting her watching the live feed ...watching all the people of Texas and all parts of the country come pay their respects to the brave citizens of West, Texas. Then my mind started turning ...I'm looking at the coffins, and thinking of the people in them. I'm thinking of the families..not how they are mourning them today and will for  the coming years. I'm thinking of the birthdays, anniversary's, football games, graduations, weddings, and more celebratory events they won't be here for. Because they were a first responder.We will miss them for a year or two, and will celebrate their bravery every year but the loss is greater than just one day or a year..Because they were a first responder. It's many lives and life times. Each  death touches so many hearts and lives. A baby  will be born without every knowing it's Dad, that sweet young man will never hold that baby, kiss his wife in gratitude and love for making him a Dad..Because he was a first responder. And he would have been a Dad, not just a father. Because he was a good man. They were all good men and they will be remembered for not just the heroic's they showed that night, but for the life they lived right up until that moment. Because they were first responders. Daughters will go to Father Daughter dances with a beloved Uncle. Son's will win trophy's in sports with out their Dad there to cheer them on. Because they were first responders. Wives will remember each anniversary and picture in her heart how they were when they got married but he won't be there because he was a first responder. Fathers and Mothers will age and lament that sons shouldn't die before the parents, that they should have gone first, but their sons  were first responders. West, Texas will continue to live and live their lives, but  for only one reason...the first responders, never hesitated, did not shirk their duty..because they were first responders.

15 comments:

MarkD60 said...

It was a very bad week. Boston Marathon, West fertilizer explosion and Alabama fuel barges

Elizabeth A. said...

Heartrending.

Peggy said...

Amazing post. Thanks.

Lin Barker said...

My son and I stood with the Patriot Guard this morning in Waco. The loons from WBC didn't show up.

yellowdoggranny said...

Lin Barker thank you from the bottom of my heart..and Goddess bless you.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

A tremendous loss for their family, friends, West and Texas. Rest in peace, first responders.

turquoisemoon said...

A tragedy! Such a loss...my heart goes out to all in West, By Goddess, Texas. xoxox

Anonymous said...

To be so brave...may they all rest in peace and may their friends and families gain comfort from knowing how much of a difference their lives made.

Intense Guy said...

It was their finest hour.

*salutes the brave ones*

Grandma K said...

My husband was with our volunteer fire department - as were my daughter and son (in the teen unit). I have to say I was glad he was a Paramedic and not one of the first responders who would run in as the other people were running out. I do know that even though West's first responders leave all those who will mourn each and every day, I know they were fully aware of the danger and accepted it as the heroes they were. The old saying that they died doing what they loved is absolutely right. If they could come back, they wouldn't change a thing. Such wonderful people.

Anonymous said...

Yes, a bad week. And the sorrow is a reel unwinding into the future ... as you say.

Thank you for saying it so well.

Fundy Blue said...

Very sad, and very beautiful. Thank you for your post.

Anne Johnson said...

Everyone alive on this planet today can thank some first responder back in the mists of time. We have always relied on the bravery of a few to guard the safety of the many. And I know your town will keep those families in your bosom forever. The children might not have a Dad, but they will have a village that damn well knows how to raise a kid.

Cthulhu said...

And yet, Rick Perry is pissed off at a cartoon.

yellowdoggranny said...

well I'm pissed off at a bunch of cartoons..we don't need people using West's tragedy for political points..that goes for Democrats as well as Republicans..piss off all of them.