19 years ago today, I went to work remarking to myself what a beautiful day it was.
19 years later, I’ve survived cancer that was certified 9-11 related, and most recently Congestive Heart Failure and a blocked Carotid Artery, both likely due to chemo and radiation treatment I received to combat cancer.
I do not regret my actions that fateful day. Being a first responder is a special calling, and even those that take such a job for the salary or pension benefits find themselves putting their lives at risk to protect their fellow human beings on a daily basis, not just 9-11. The risks to their lives are both immediate and long term. They take those risks so you don’t have to.
I feel blessed to be alive and hold each day as special. But for the grace of God, there goes I.
Thank you Eric for the post and what you did. My buddy Mike is a Lt in the NYFD and was there that day, and the days after. We lived on LI at the time, my wife pregnant with our first child, and me at work trying to secure the group homes (for developmentally disabled adults) I oversaw safely and get the couple of folks (who lived in our group homes) who were working in the City home. I shall never forget that day. <3
ReplyDeleteAll these years, I had no idea you were a first responder!! Thank you for both your service in general, as well as on 9/11. I am a 26 year LEO, and while I worked in So Cal at the time, I also was at work on 9/11.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post.
20 years NYPD.
DeleteThis day still fills me with anger, sadness, and regret. If only there were more people like you, Eric, who are willing to run towards the chaos to just save one more life. Thank you to all who have served and all who still do.
ReplyDelete@ Tenkar:
ReplyDeleteOur world would be a better one with more brave and helpful people, like yourself. Condolences for what you've suffered, glad that you've survived and overcome it, prayers and best wishes for the future.
Eric, thank you for your service.
ReplyDeleteSeems like a paragraph didn't post. It doesn't say what you did.
ReplyDeleteWhat I did pales in contrast to what first responders do on a daily basis.
DeleteMay God protect those that protect us, and may we cherish those that lose their lives keeping the rest of us safe.