Reflections on loss

September 11, 2001 has meant so many different things to so many different people, because the raw nature of the human spirit, when it is stripped right down to the elements of character, is supposed to show compassion and love for mankind.

9-11, for a short period of time, took that faith away in the human spirit, to trust and love without suspicion or prejudice.

I think what I’ve witnessed these last few days in New York is a city giving back, offering a hand up to the fire service as if to say: You’ve picked us up so many times -- we’re here for you today, on the day you lost the most.

I’ve seen it in the eyes of the FDNY members crying at the memorial wall, in the arms of the stranger who offers a hug to firefighters as they come home safe from another call, and in the gift of a simple red bandanna I received from Mrs. Crowther, in honor of her son who died that day.

These last five days have seen a rise of benevolence and goodwill that has charged the city's -- and possibly the country's -- batteries once again with the power to love, trust, and feel safe again.

I know the world will never be the same, and I’m not ignorant to the fact that we are targets because of the freedom we choose to live in; but for these five days I saw people treat each other with respect and compassion, as if to say we can be strong again, we will never forget; and while some may never forgive, getting up off the ground is the only option.

The fire services’ batteries get charged in small doses every day when a firefighter on a truck waves at a child on a bike, or responds to a fire or medical call.

It all starts when you're young and your parents point out the first fire truck you’ve ever seen, driving down the street. It's our nature perhaps to feel something for the things in life that protect and care for us in the most unbiased and impartial way possible.

In fact, the fire service needd the public to need us, because it gives us our ability to go further, search longer, and never give up; after all, we are people too.

The empathy and compassion shown to firefighters across New York over the last few days has been tremendous. 

But these observations are not specific to NYC -- rather they're seen in every community where citizens have supported fire, police, EMS, and the military.

In 2007 the Winnipeg Fire Department lost two captains in a house fire, and as much as I will never forget them, I will also never forget the support given to firefighters here from our citizens.  It's the same support New Yorkers have shown their beloved FDNY following the loss of 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9-11.

So I will end this blog with a sincere thank you; for reading and following along, and as well for the amazing support you offer your firefighters here in Winnipeg and abroad.