Reflective Coat

I was at my part time job yesterday and we were busy all day. I got to work by 9 and as soon as I got there someone let the flood gates open. Before I new it, it was 1:30 and I hadn't eaten. I was starving. It quieted down a bit so I took my chances and clocked out to eat. As soon as I got back from lunch, all hell broke loose and it was back to the races. Around 4ish it got quiet again. So here I am saying thank you for finally getting a break and I noticed this guy wearing a Marine Corps hat. Pretty cool hat if you ask me. He was looking around and I gave it a couple of minutes and then I walked over to him. I asked if I could help him find what he was looking for. I asked him if he was a Marine. He was and got out in 88. We exchanged a Semper Fi Ooorhaa and talked a little bit about where we were and what we did. I also got out in 1988 so it was fun to chat. Now I get back to my original question and he looked me in the eyes and said the following to me: "I'm looking for a reflective coat. Ya see my son was killed a little while back. He and his twin brother got side swiped from a Hummer in front of my house. His brother made it." My heart dropped. This poor guy watched as the firefighters try to save his sons. His sons where 22 years old. This man is only a couple of years older than me and I have kids this age. I felt for this man. I could relate to him. I'm a firefighter. I've seen and done things that just happened. I needed to help him and wouldn't you believe I did. Here's how. I talked to him like he was my brother. He is. He's a Marine. He's my brother. Even though I've never met him before in my life, he's family. I talked to him and listened as he told me the details. I listened to his pain and sorrows. I ended up just giving him a hug. A total stranger who is my brother. As it was getting close to closing time and he was on his way home, I stopped him. I asked him to call me as I gave him my number. I said even if you feel like going for a beer and talking. When I handed him my card I saw this big smile and a wave of relief came from his face and it made me realize it feels pretty good to know that you've helped someone. His expressions said that to me. He thanked me and we shook hands once again. This is the short version. Bottom line is that we all need to realize that we all need to help each other in this crazy world of ours. Because everyone needs help. Being kind is part of what we're all suppose to do. Having faith helps out too. Thanks mom and dad. He never did buy that raincoat.

Mixed Fruit

Mixed Fruit
By
Rick DiGiammarino

While often as parents we want our children to grow and become well rounded people. We try to teach them from right and wrong. We try to make decisions for them so they will have an easier time in life. Most of the time they don’t listen and that’s ok. All we can do is try. But what do we teach ourselves? What have we learned about life over the years. When are we fully grown? We often ask ourselves what is the meaning of life. Does anyone really know? James Taylor seems to think the meaning of life is enjoying the passage of time. But how do you enjoy the passage of time and what does this mean?

To everyone it’s something different. But what it is to me, I can only share. Growing up I wanted everything. I wanted a car, a guitar, the loudest amplifier I could find, etc…All I thought about was what’s in it for me and why can’t I have everything I want. Then I got older and as time went by, I found what the meaning of life truly is. My meaning of life isn’t the same for everyone. Everyone has their own perception of what life is all about but for me the meaning of life is being able to share a smile with someone. It’s helping other’s out more than helping myself. It doesn’t matter that I want things. I have plenty of things. It’s just stuff. I can’t take all my stuff with me when I’m gone. But I can take the fact that I tried my hardest to help people. Whether it be helping some old lady up off the floor or making a little girl smile after she has fallen down. It doesn’t matter what I’ve done as long as I’m helping. That’s what life is to me.

Today a mother came by with her 2 year old daughter to show her the fire truck. I just happen to be outside. We had just gotten back from buying dinner that we were going to cook and I had a tray of mixed fruit. This little girl was so cute. You just wanted to hug her so death. So I played with her for a little while and then offered her a piece of fruit (with mom’s permission that is). This little girl jumped right in and at the first bite she smiled. I was now her best friend. Now, keep in mind that this fruit cost me $6 and I love fruit. Before you new it half the tray was gone and there wasn’t enough for myself or the other 2 firefighters that were upstairs cooking dinner. But this little girl with a smile to kill was so happy that I was playing with her and sharing, I couldn’t resist. Finally I looked at the tray and gave the whole thing to her. Mom was very grateful.

My point in telling you about this little girl is even the littlest thing can make someone happy. No one said you have to do something really extra ordinary to help someone. You don’t have to jump into a burning building or jump through hoops to make someone happy. All you need to do is show a little bit of passion. Remember, it’s not always about you. It doesn’t have to be hard. Learn to live without because you can’t take it with you.

Peace and love always,
Rick