I really am trying to write about something else, but I can’t.  It’s as if the story in my mind has not played out completely, has not come to an end, or drawn a satisfying conclusion.  It would kind of be like walking out of a really good movie before it ends; or putting an engaging book down when there is only something less important to do.  I feel if I go another direction, I would not be true to myself and my feelings, and I won’t be satisfied.  I think that I need to put an emotional bow on the event; if that’s even possible.

Photo via: http://ktar.com/

Sometimes it is just too hard to compartmentalize life, ignore it, and move on.  At times, life seems too intertwined, integrated, and complex for that.  Sometimes the compartmentalizing works and all is well. Sometimes a person just needs to communicate something to get it out there, to help process it, and to get it off of their mind.  I think I will try that here and see how it goes because new information brought about new thoughts.

You see, I learned some things yesterday about some people that hit home and instead of putting a name with a face, it put a life with a name and a face. The things that I learned moved me and were pretty impressive too.  See what you think.

A 20-year-old young man followed in his dad’s footsteps. What dad would be more proud than that?  This guy studied physics at a small private college with a good academic reputation.  I’m betting that he was a sharp kid with a great future.  He was supposed to start back to school next week.  I have one daughter who started college last week and another daughter starting grad school this week, so I can relate.  That son was the light of the father’s life.  I can relate to that to the power of two.

The next person that I learned about was 26-years-old and he had earned a Master’s degree in biology last year.  Here was another smart guy with a lot of studying behind him; and equipped with a lot of knowledge, likely a bright future ahead of him.  He was married for about a year or so.  Now that union takes on a different meaning.  My oldest daughter has been married for just over a year and I can relate.

The third person that I learned about was in the midst of carrying on a family tradition to the fourth generation.  Reportedly, he was a college graduate, fisherman, hunter, and hiker.  I have experienced and do or have done those same things; and so once again I can relate.  And too, I have a family history with this same occupation.  So of course I can relate.

Photo Via: http://www.katu.com/

And then there is a new guy that I was introduced to.  I didn’t even know he existed.  I don’t know much about him right now, but hopefully I will get to know him better with time. He is 25 years old and probably clinging to his life.  If he makes it, he will be scarred in more ways than one.  You see, he apparently has burns over more than 60% of his body, remains hospitalized, and has undergone at least 2 surgeries.  I suspect there are more on the way.  I lost a friend to extensive body burns several years back and so I can relate here too.

Maybe you’ve guessed by now that the first three men were the three firefighters that died in the Twisp, Washington area forest fire that I wrote about previously and that has been in the news prominently in the Pacific Northwest recently.

The fourth young man was there with them too; a colleague, a comrade, a brother in arms against the fire enemy.  We can pray for the families and friends of the first three to be consoled and comforted, and we should.  However, for the fourth young man, we can also intentionally and purposefully pray for him, his recovery, and his well-being; as well as the family and friends that gather and rally around him.

Will you join me, please?

You may also like:

When Heroes Go Home The Circle of Life A Boyhood Hero Reflections of a short guy