My Brothers and Sisters ... the fireman's prayer

[Starling]

No: HPFGUIDX 26017

Hello everyone...

i'm at college in upstate NY -- Binghamton University.  Over half our campus
is from NYC/LI.  We are walking around dazed and scared, and every time a
phone rings people start and wonder if it is good news -- someone's
parents/siblings/friends are alive -- or they're missing.  Or worse...

My father is in the police dept.  on Long Island, and he's a volunteer
firefighter.  Some of his colleagues are professional FDers in NYC in
addition to being volunteers at home.  Some of them were apparently in the
first squads into the site.  Some of them will not come home.  I love these
guys -- a lot of them are rough, and boisterous, and a bit raw.  They see a
lot of bad things, but they were always beyond kind to my siblings and
myself -- sneaking us pizza and candy at fireman's events, piggyback rides,
letting us look at all the trucks and equipment, try on their boots and
their coats and helmets...

i do not want to believe that all this has happened.  I keep hoping that
this is just a bad dream.  but it's not.

i don't know how familiar any of you are with the fireman's prayer.  i've
been reciting it to myself since yesterday.
the police and the firemen and the EMTs are heroes.    Every last one of
them, and I thank whatever power that protects us that these men and woman
are there.

A Fireman's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God, wherever flame may rage,
Give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child, before it is too late,
Or save an older person from, the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently, to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling, and to give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor, and protect his property.

And if according to my fate, I am to lose my life,
Please Bless with your protecting hand, my children
and my wife.

-Author Unknown

Abbie, who is still in shock today, and wishes her hands would stop
quivering.

starling823 at yahoo.com
69% obsessed with HP and loving it
"Ah, music," Dumbledore said, wiping his eyes.  "A magic beyond all we do
here!"
          -HP and the Sorcerer's Stone


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