To My First Responder Family,
Ever since I can remember when I was a little girl, my dad would bring my sisters and I to a place that was our second home. It was shared by many others and was a part of the community. My second home became the local firehouse. My sisters and I grew up with the fire department being in our blood. Not only was my dad a volunteer firefighter but my uncles and cousins also were volunteer firefighters. I know that my life path has changed and may have not stayed in touch with those who have known since I was a little girl but I would like to say thank you for everything.
I am thankful that you have shown me what it is like to help those who need help. You drop everything that you are doing whether you are with your family and friends celebrating or just got off from working, you drop what you planned on doing to help your community. You have shown me what it is like to help those who are living their worst nightmare whether it is a house fire or a car accident.
Thank you for showing me that I have to have courage. You have taught me that I can't let my fears stop me from doing what I want to do. You have shown me that no matter what may be on the other side whether good or bad, that I have to push through it and not let it get the best of me.
Thank you for showing me what dedication and commitment is. You have taught me that if I want to be successful at something that I have to make time for it mentally and physically. It has shown me that things are not going to happen over night and that I need to remember why I am doing what I am doing. It takes time to get what you may want in life but it will be worth it when it does happen.
Thank you for showing me how to be mentally tough. You have shown me that people will put me down in all types of ways and in order for me to survive, I need to show them that I am not going to let them get to me. It has taught me that if I listen to what people say about me then I am letting them win and that I will be that person that they said I was. If I don't want to be that person then I need to ignore them and prove them wrong and show that I am better than what they may think of me.
Thank you for showing me that being you don't have to be blood related to be part of a family. You have taught me, that even though our own family may be there for us with a death or some other issue, that you will be there for us no matter what. It has shown me that we may disagree on things but when the times get tough whether we are having a hard time with a call or a life issue, that we don't need to ask for help because you will be right there without hesitation.
Thank you for shaping me into the person that I am today. Without learning and seeing some of the life lessons at a young age, I would not be where I am or who I am. Everything you have taught my I am grateful for and know that what I have learned will help me through my good and bad times.
