Another "where were you when" event [side note, why are these mostly tragedy related?]
I was soundly sleeping after a night of pampering (nails, pedicure, dinner, massage...and ironically NOT at the movie theater) when the horror at the theater in Aurora, CO happened. Mere miles away. Whenever something like this happens, I immediately think of the rescue workers, EMT, fire fighters, police officers, clergy ... Those who risk their lives trying to save others' and turn chaos into some sense of normalcy. I've seen countless stories of miracles that came of this abhorrence. One man vs an entire population of believers praying, serving, loving, sharing? Easy winner.
My father-in-law was a fire fighter for years and the Colorado Springs fires (and elsewhere) have just killed me. Hearing his stories makes me so understand what they are going through. The men and women in the heat, smoke, danger...not sleeping or eating...all to save. Never a complaint. Doing things I am not strong enough myself to do. The sacrifices they make. Some even the ultimate sacrifice.
All of this brings up the memory of Phil. My sweet cousin, living his dream of being a police officer, was he was killed in the line of duty...protecting all of us from a dangerous man. I remember more about his life now (though that has taken a while). Going to college classes together (and by going to class, I mean Travis & Phil would go hunting and I would go to class and take notes), hanging out, going to dances (he, to this day is the only one who wouldn't let me lead...I miss swinging with him!) and laughing til we feel sick.
I leave for a family reunion tomorrow. One that should be blessed with his presence. In some ways I think it will be.
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