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2007: A Year in Review
27 December 2007
"2007: A Year in Review"
As we sit at the edge of our seats and begin the countdown to the beginning of 2008, I am sitting back in my chair, feeling the warmth of the heater, sipping my tasty adult beverage, and watching the winter roll in through my office window as I remininsce as to the rather spectacular year that I had in 2007 both on and off station. So, for this, I am not going to blog a long and meaningless banter that I have sometimes have come to deal to you few faithful that are still out there. Instead, I am going to give thanks. Thanks and appreciation to those whom made my year just that much better. So if you all would indulge me for just a few, I would be forever in your debt.
First and foremost, I want to thank my wife Beverly. Bev, you have really been through hell and high water with me since we have met and no matter what had been posted in front of us, you never swayed in the storm. Getting promoted this year, my job has demanded more of me than I could give it at times, but your understanding that I am trying to build something great and that Rome wasn't built in a day is a true testament to your undying devotion to the sacrement that bestows upon us. I can't take back all those nights that you slept alone while I was out "saving the world" as you like to call it, but I want you to know that I was never far, and I thank God for that. So, my dear, thank you for all your support and grace. I will never let that fade in my mind, no matter what drugs they give me when I am older.
Next, I want to thank my best buddy Bill. I know that this year you have gone through Hell and back...then back to Hell...then back again. Even though your journey hasn't taken down the path that you thought, you found a way to keep a smile on your face, your chin in the air, and backed me up on everything that I did both professionally and personally. Coming to work with me as I began my tenure as the supervisor was a blessing that I still can't begin to express to you. Your ability to give 110% in every little detail that you do proves to me that I made the utmost correct choice in designating you my best bud. We met in a car upside down, we leave this year riding together off into the sunset. Thanks, Bill...I love ya man.
Jane. You took a big risk hiring me to operate day to day operations and everyday I strive to improve the quality of life not only for my patients, but for your company. I can't promise you instant results, but I can promise you all my blood, sweat, and tears and the promise that I will do everything I can with all my breath, to make sure that our company is listed in the catagory of elite. Thank you for your support...and taking a huge gamble on an aging re-tread.
To all my EMT's and Paramedic that work under me. You really are the best of the best in my eyes. Your perseverence on station and out in the field shows that we aren't a small rural company, but a place where the best of the best come to work. I can't tell you how proud of you that I am of each and everyone of you as this transition went on when I took the helm. Your support and open-mindedness has shown your integrity and genuality as civil servants, and as human beings.
I want to thank YOU, my readers whom even though I dropped off the face of the Earth at times, you still checked in with me to see how I was and if there was anything new. I started this blog in 2004 as a place to vent about the world and give you a little ride-a-long as to the world of Emergency Medicine in the field. Together, we have witnessed new life, held the hand of those who had lost their life, socially equated ourselves as to understand the dumb and misfortunate, but most of all, to make a difference to that one person who, in their time of crisis, called upon us to help save them and create peace for their life's continuing journey. So, what I do propose to you for 2008 is an entry every week where we have some more fun, laugh a little out loud, and comfort each other when the time is low. Together, we can all make a difference...so let's go out there and touch those who need it...all of us.
To my brother, Mark. You may not know why you are there, but your presence is the same as it would be here. A feeling of relief and hope that tomorrow will bring a new day...even though you don't know the people you serve. I admire for the fact that you DID get your life together against immense odds...I miss you and love you very much...and I ask is that you come home safely.
And finally, I have one last thanks to give. Being last, you certainly aren't least...
Danielle, my friend for always. Sorry we didn't get back together for almost two decades, but I got lost somewhere along the way and when I DID find my wayout, life put up a roadblock. I think that is why there is GPS for the cars now. Anyways, despite you not being close physically, your spirit had always lingered keeping alive the purest of friendships without boundries, definitions, or limitations. Even in absence, you had been a fixture of my thoughts and affected the way that I lived my life. Now, 15 years later, you return to pick up where you left off. The one that I chat with for countless hours about absolutely nothing, my friend who reassured me that life wasn't all that bad even though it felt like they were tossing the dirt on your coffin. Your vibrance and positive outlook has fueled my motivation and my thrive as to who I am, whom I become, and who I will be...and I know...this is only the beginning. Thank you.
I will see you all next week, as planned and promised.
Have a safe and glorious New Year.
Rounding Third and Heading Home,
M-
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Words are escaping me... YOU are my inspiration, too! You were in '94...and you are today! Thank you for all that you do...for me...for others! Thank you for making me laugh...for listening...for letting me to be my ridiculous self! And THANKS for allowing me to do ride-time...to see the sites, to meet the people who have changed my life (even thought they will never have a clue)...to learn FROM THE BEST! ...and most of all THANK YOU for your encouragement as I realized my calling to this field. I appreciate you on so many levels! Never forget that!
Your EMT apprentice,
~Danielle -
Mike, you may have disappeared but I knew you were out there doing 'what you do' to the best of your ability. Many happy returns in the New Year to you and yours. I look forward to a post a week during the new year and offer continued good thoughts and prayers for your brother as he serves his time for us.
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I always enjoy your writing. Very smooth to read and interesting.
Hope that next year brings even better things for you.
Have a great day!
Shelli in Missouri -
Hi there Mike, it is nice to see you back doing what you do so well, and that is writing. I have missed your entries, they made me laugh and sometimes made me cry, but they were something that I could count on. It has been a difficult year for many of us, myself included, but I am still here, still have most of my family, and friends, and I can still get from place to place on my own so I guess that is doing good. There are days I laugh and days I cry, and days I dont want to get up, but I am still here. So I guess there is more in store for me, and it isnt time to turn in my shares in life, someone still needs me. I hope that the coming year will bring the best of everything to you and yours, and god bless you always
As always......................Jackie
12/28/07 7:32 PM