My heart beat quickens as I see the red and blue lights flash in the rearview. My grip tightens on the wheel and I pull over to side of the road.
I’m heading home from my father’s surprise 60th birthday party. A great evening is about to turn into a horrific night.
The Police SUV passes us at a speed that suggests something big is happening. A minute later the same scene plays out again as another SUV motors past.
I look over at Leigh and tell her that when I first bought my home, I always worried that those Police vehicles and Firetrucks were heading to my house. Turns out I wouldn’t be too far off in this case.
As I turned onto our cross street I see four or five Firetrucks up ahead, their panels reflecting an orange fiery glow.
We parked the car and watched in shock as the flames are engulfing the second floor of our neighbors home across the street from us. It wasn’t long until the fire moved upward and the roof was peeled back like a burnt banana.
To my disbelief I noticed a few bright lights through the second floor windows. It seemed impossible to me but Firefighters were in the middle of the inferno. My heart sank with the thought of them searching for people inside.
It was heartbreaking to watch. Minutes passed until we finally received word from our next door neighbor that everyone made it out safe of the double home. We collectively breathe a sigh of relief.
My next door neighbor that delivered the good news is a retired Buffalo Firefighter. I’ve always had respect for the guy but I didn’t realize how intense his line of work really was.
I have quickly developed a new found appreciation for firefighters and what they do. It’s easy when you see it first hand.
It’s kind of how appreciation works. You truly don’t appreciate something until it effects you directly.
The next day I was reflecting on my new found appreciation for firefighters and a thought occurred.
How many other people out there could I easily have a new sense of appreciation for?
Truth of the matter is, I won’t have the level of appreciation for so many people that deserve it.
I won’t know what it is like to be raised by a single mom or sit in a trench with brothers in arms. I didn’t have that teacher that saved me from the wrong path.
Those people do exist though, and they should know they’re truly appreciated.
If you happen to know one of these hidden heroes, let them know they’re appreciated for the rest of us that might not know better.
“Firefighters” everywhere. Thank you.
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How you can help.
If you’re interested in helping the homeowner of this Lovering Ave home pictured above. Visit this link where you can purchase a shirt. All profits will be donated to the homeowner to help her transition after this tragedy.
Photo credit : WIVB.com
