Ordinary Folk-Extraordinary Feats

WE THANK THEM

These firefighters from Sacramento have been sleeping in the park, anxiously awaiting orders that will allow them to reunite with their families. They were summoned here in advance like so many other units, in anticipation of the fierce dry winds predicted to hit our city over nine days ago. Their temporary headquarters, consisting of multiple tents and portable showers, is less than two miles from our home; the same temporary headquarters where President Bush touched down in a private helicopter just three days earlier to assess the damage in our city.

LESS THAN A MILE FROM HOME

Grandma phones with a message. A popular steakhouse has invited the public to attend an all day BBQ in the parking lot of our local mall to show appreciation for firefighters and city personnel.

A TOMATO CROP IS SALVAGED, BARELY

Unlimited servings of chicken and steak are grilled to perfection and piled high next to Caesar salad, oranges, and bottled water. It is all we can eat, and filling.

CACTUS ARE NOT SO LUCKY

With satisfied tummies we head toward the car, but I cannot get into the driver's seat without bringing my youngest to the cab of this monstrous engine. I want her to know how amazing these firefighters really are. Tired and drained from long and tedious shifts, they're still smiling, still willing, still asking little folk to join them for a look inside the big rig.

THIS HOUSE KNOWS THESE HEROES

How does one even begin to thank another for putting their own life in harms way for an ordinary person, a stranger--like me?