In my former life living in New York, I did very little with design or rendering. My start in the field of design began with an architecture firm on Long Island. I started out in the field overseeing projects throughout Nassau County, and when those contracts ended, I was brought into the office and began learning AutoCAD. For them, I was just a draftsman, and to be honest it wasn’t my favorite job. It was okay; it did pay the bills, and I did learn a lot, but I really didn’t do anything terribly exciting or interesting. But my other job was just the opposite.
In June of 2001, I began volunteering with the Patchogue Ambulance Corp in Patchogue, New York. Patchogue is a small town located on the South Shore of Long Island. It was a fantastic gig – I learned how to be an emergency medical technician (EMT), the proper way to drive an ambulance, and how to help people when they were most in need. Then September 11th, 2001 happened. On the 12th, I went into New York City to volunteer with rescue and recovery efforts. To be honest, I never thought I would do much – maybe hand out some water, organize some gear, nothing major. Well, by the end of the next day, I was on the pile working with other EMTs and emergency care professionals. Who knew that would happen?
I ended up working at the site and with various other organizations developed to help in the effort for the next 9 months. I would work my day job, work with Patchogue, and then head to the city on my nights off, or on the weekends. I continued working with NYC EMS in various capacities for the next 4 years. By the time I was ready to move out west, I had made the rank of Sergeant. I met some really wonderful people while working down there, and they helped me get to where I am now – in a beautiful home with my wife in Arizona, running my own company.
A few months ago, the world learned that Osama Bin Laden, the man most directly responsible for that day, was killed by a United States Seal Team; known to the world only as Seal Team Six. It was also announced that the World Trade Center Memorial would be open for dedication on September 11th, 2011 – 10 years after that terrible day.
I will be there.
Many won’t.
This will be an opportunity for me to pay my respects and close this chapter in my life – not forget by any means, but maybe not dwell on it as deeply when this time of year comes around again.
I would ask anyone reading this blog to just remember. You don’t have to buy a bunch of cheap crap to show your patriotism (and yes, stores like Michael’s Arts and Crafts are doing just that) – just remember. Say a prayer. Thank an EMT, a cop, a firefighter or a soldier. Just remember the sacrifices they make for everyone else – for they are at their best when you are at your worst.
I will post another blog upon my return where I will share photos of the event.
Thanks for reading.
