Brotherhood

Well it has been a rather trying couple of weeks. For those of you that did not know my friend and coworker Tony lost his valiant battle with cancer. He past and was laid to rest with full honors. Last week a Chicago firefighter was killed falling from a ladder. The funeral was huge and fitting with full honors. While I did not know Chris Wheatly from what I understand he was a stand up guy and gave 150% to what he did on and off the job. After Chris and Tony's death there was a large discussion at stations and on social network  sites about brotherhood.

Well here comes Marks opinion.
Brotherhood is NOT a card you get or money you pay for joining a organization that "looks out for your best interest", or a group of people with the same job who think that they are going to get screwed by the "man". Remember that the "man" was a brother before he or she was promoted.
Brotherhood is people who look out and care for each other at work and after their job is done for the day.
Brotherhood is looking out not only for the brother but for their family.
Brotherhood is being there for the good times and in the bad times.
Brotherhood is giving someone a kick in the ass when they are being stupid.
Brotherhood is not thinking or saying "what is in it for me?"
Brotherhood is the guy that will drop everything at any time because a brother called and needed help.
The time, miles, the extent of the favor or cost does not matter a brother needs help.
Ones pride at times clouds the asking for help a brother knows that and even when kicked will be there.
 A brother is  there to help, listen, care and help sometimes when not even asked.  I have a brothers at both jobs. I love them and would do anything for them. I don't walk around and call everyone brother but the feeling in my heart is always there.
I have been seeing a lot of death this last 3 weeks.
What I do know is the men and women I work with are not only co workers they are friends and family. Family helps family. That is the bottom line.

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Tony has company.

Another firefighter died today he was 31. I did not know him personally. I do know that he was friends with many of the guys I work with in River Grove. His death an accident from falling but still none the less tragic. I have been in the fire service for 36+ years and fully believe that all firefighters cops and paramedics go to heaven. I will be going to the wake/ walk-through when it is scheduled. Most likely there will be a huge turnout. My hope is that my friend Tony has met Chris and Tony is giving him the size up. God is most likely saying relax boys you have protection to do.
Keep watch over us guys.

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And life goes on

It is Friday, I am home in the cave mentally and physically exhausted. I have been working for 3 days taking and editing photos of the Memorial and Funeral of my coworker and friend Tony. ( please see my past blog regarding him). I offered or just decided to take photos of the wake, service and burial. It was a couple of days of tears, laughter, and saying goodbye.  My hope and goal was to give both my Addison and Hometown brothers a way to remember the good we did in laying Tony to rest. I shot and edited the photos in to reflect good taste rather than artistic quality.
I have had facebook postings from photos that I did a good job. I am happy with my results. I guess I am just my part.
I was talking to one of my coworkers today and he thanked me for my work with the photos but gave me something that I will treasure for the rest of my life. The thing that felt the best was when he said that he was giving me this because "I got it" Thanks it is the best compliment I ever received.

Finally; Rest in Peace Tony. I may never be the firefighter you were, but I think I did you proud.

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Death loss and going on

A co-worker and friend died Saturday morning. He was 37, and been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer to the bowel. I won't get gory in details but I know after 545am Saturday he is in a better place. His family is very sad and I grieve for their loss more than my own. Work at the station revolves around preparation and planning for services. I work doing my daily thing feeling that the significance of loss has not been fully realized. I am thankful for the love and strength of my family and can only hope that all my friends and coworkers have the support they need.
Tony I am going to miss you. We will help Melissa and best we can. Keep watch over us all.

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