People Who Serve

This morning I’ve been thinking about the people who serve us. Both Facebook and the local media have been inundated with stories about recent fires in California. The state is so dry and parched it seems to be a tinder box ready to blow up with a single spark. It’s scary. People are losing their homes, wild animals are being killed or displaced, and the land is being ravished, left charred and blackened. It is so sad to see. We are lucky in California to have many brave individuals who work, work, work until they are ready to drop. They risk their lives to protect people, pets, and property. Firefighters truly are heroes and deserve every bit of respect from the public that they are given.

Others who serve are not always as admired. Police officers are often maligned or criticized and in my view do not deserve such disrespect. (I’m still a bit incensed about receiving a ticket a few years ago for that “California stop” though!) Unfortunately a few incidents are blown to such proportion that investigations are hampered and facts are pushed aside, buried by emotional outbursts. I definitely am not saying all officers are perfect; mistakes and misjudgments are made. However, the public does not walk in their shoes. We do not see what they do every day. The police have to deal with myriad seedy, corrupt, dishonest individuals daily. When we need them, when disaster or tragedy strikes, who comes to the rescue? Police officers (and firefighters) do. They make the world a safer place; they too put their lives on the line every day. Where’s all the hoopla when one of them is “taken out” by some misguided killer? Maybe we need to be more appreciative.

Finally, I want to mention teachers who work very hard and receive inadequate pay that is incommensurate to their education and dedication. I know this one! I taught for twenty-nine years. While it may not jump out to the average person as true, a teacher can be a hero too. One need only remember Columbine and New Town (and other such tragedies) when teachers gave their lives to save their students. Sometimes just a kind word, a smile, a pat on the back, or a call home will do the same, sending a student off in the right direction. I have the utmost respect for teachers (and, again, not all are perfect), but they, as with firefighters and police officers have a calling. Despite many frustrations, most find joy in their career. As many of us have voiced, “Teaching is not a profession; it’s a lifestyle.” It IS all consuming.

My intention is not to leave out anyone. Nurses (amazing), doctors, and so many other people provide service to us. Being a hero of sorts in any occupation takes perseverance, a real sense of responsibility, and commitment. People who possess these attributes make our world a better place.

I’m not sure why this came to mind today, but it did, and I simply wanted to put it on paper.