Day 644

Today, Ranger visited our local Police and Fire Station with some treats and a card. We were met with some surprise, but the heartfelt gratitude was certainly genuine.

We chose to stop by today after the terrible loss of two police officers and one firefighter the other day. It hit home because it was a relatively nearby city, but each and every one of these losses should be mourned. The statue outside of the station is simply beautiful. A child holding an officer's hand with trust illuminating his young face. That child could be any one of us.

We live near a major hospital, the police station and fire station so sirens are more present than not. I always pause and send heartfelt strength to anyone associated with those sirens and then go on with my business. That seems to have changed in the last couple of days. Without becoming maudlin, I now think about the destination of those sirens and the people who need to hold that hand. I also think about our first responders and what they are racing towards. It is a sobering thought indeed, but my respect has taken on a new level. These people head into the unknown and risk their lives so that we may all have some semblance of safety and security. Heroes.

So this afternoon, we headed over to do "something...anything" and risked erring on the side of kindness. It won't be our last time stopping by as we plan to let them know how very much we appreciate all of them...today (when the news of loss is fresh) and in the future.

Paul, Matthew and Adam will be missed. Hoping their families, friends and other first responders are embraced in the days to come and that we do not lose sight of the risk these heroes take every day going forward. They put their lives in danger so that I can go Walking With Goldens.

Thank you...