Going Home Again

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 11^th, 2001 happened.  On the 12^th, 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 11^th, 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.