Ask yourself: Is my turn as a firefighter memorable, or better off forgotten?
The game began on an even playing field; no score, just me against the world. I had great coaches and some not so great ones that would put me in a position to be competitive, or to struggle in an ocean of mediocrity, depending on which lessons I chose to listen to. The fact that I was born in a land of opportunity, and could choose whether or not to work toward creating a life worthy of the moment in time generations had struggled to create was instilled in me early.
“Don’t blow it,” my dad was fond of saying.
The first quarter went by in the blink of an eye. “Twenty years, where’d they go?”
I started the second quarter with a basic understanding of the game that was unfolding. I’m not sure if I was ahead, or behind, but I knew for certain that I was in one heck of a fight. I had a vague understanding of what was most important to me, and what it would take to make that happen. My dream for my future was quite simple–live a life that matters. I floundered for a while, made ends meet by working hard in dead-end jobs, but never lost faith in what was to come. I had been taught that you get what you put in, and people get what they deserve. Halfway through the second quarter I turned the tide and began my career as a Providence (RI) firefighter.
The third quarter was a blur. I think I was ahead, but never let my guard down. For the most part I was focused, and followed the game plan that had been created during my first half. I took care of my family by showing up for work, not screwing up too much and taking responsibility when I did. I had the advantage of emulating the lives and deeds of countless firefighters who came before me, and take enormous pride knowing that my contributions to the fire service were steady, and productive. Some very wise firefighters beat some sense into me, my favorite lesson was to leave the fire service better than it was when I got there.
And then it was over.
So here I am, 60 years old, the fourth quarter about to begin, and the moment of truth upon me. It’s a self-inflicted day of reckoning, time to decide if I can rest, and coast through the remaining years knowing that I gave it my all or continue pursuing the accomplishments that prove my life was worthy.
I never did amass a pile of wealth, though not from lack of trying. Have yet to play a song on one of my guitars worthy of an audience, never wrote the great American novel and the jury is still out on the kids I helped raise. Are they happy? I certainly hope so.
- You Were Worth It
- Are You Ready for Game Day?
- Firefighters: We Don’t Play Every Sunday
- On the Line: Pursuing Perfection and Catching Excellence
One thing is certain, though: I was a firefighter, and my presence on scene of thousands of other people’s emergencies made a difference to the people who needed a little, or a lot of help.
So I guess I can rest easy, knowing that it wasn’t all for nothing, and though my individual accomplishments will be dust in the wind in a generation or two, the life of a firefighter will live on forever. I was a big part of that life, and it is an honor and a privilege to be part of something immortal.
I have the rest of my life to live free of the burden of accomplishment. My guess is that freedom will bring with it more than enough satisfaction to finish the game with style and grace.
When the ink used to write your name is finally dry in the log book, it will immediately begin to fade away like all of the others that have done the job, did it well (or not), and moved on.
Ask yourself this: was my turn memorable, or better off forgotten?
Make it matter.
Every tour.
Every shift.
Every hour.
Every call.
For the rest of your life you will look back with pride, and forward with confidence.
Or not.
In Omnia Paratus (In all things, prepared. It is a Latin phrase, the motto of the Providence Fire Department which also translates to “one of adventurousness and thrill seeking.)
Michael Morse retired as a captain from the Providence (RI) Fire Department after twenty-five years of service. He was a firefighter with Ladder Co. 7, Engine Co. 2, Engine Co.7, Ladder Co. 4 and Engine Co. 9, a lieutenant with Rescue Co.1 and the captain of Rescue Co. 5. He is the author of a number of books. His latest is EMS by Fire: The Making of a Fire Medic from Fire Engineering Books. He can be reached at mmorsepfd@aol.com.
This commentary reflects the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Fire Engineering. It has not undergone Fire Engineering‘s peer-review process.
