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343.
The number of firefighters that lost their lives seven years ago today. As I write this, at 8:08 am, they were just barely into their shift for the day. They had no idea. We had no idea. We were all so innocent. We were all so different.
343.
The number comes to me at times. I’ll see the numbers flash on my clock. And I’ll think of the names that I’ve happened to memorize or that have stuck with me over the years. Personal stories that I’ve heard. Images of a city that I once wanted nothing more than to live in, to be a part of; a city that changed forever.
343.
When I dwell on the huge loss the fire service felt that day, it gets under my skin and the worry starts to creep. I internalize it too much. I have to step back, recognize that my city is very different from New York and pray that my Husband is safe. I know that fire is fire is fire but I have to tell myself the differences or I won’t be able to keep my calm.
343.
To me, the number reminds me to love. Fiercely. And immediately. Nothing is guaranteed. The skyline above, taken on January 13, 2001, the last time I saw it in tact, was something I loved. I never expected it to change, to disappear. But it has. Lives are not guaranteed. We view firefighters as big and strong and constant. Nothing is guaranteed. Nothing.
343.
Tell someone today that you love them. Don’t put a qualifier on it. Don’t say I love when you x. I love your y. I love to z with you. Simply say, “I love you.” Mean it. Repeat it. And feel it to your core. 343 firefighters died seven years ago today. My guess is that they would have given anything to say “I Love You” one more time without a qualifier.
343.
Love. And never forget.
The Fire Family is sending love, in the most pure and simple manner, to those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. Not just the friends and families of the fallen 343 firefighters but to all those whose lives were changed, without warning, on a morning that started just like any other day. We stand in honor and respect. And we will never forget you.
10 Responses to “Love Thursday: 343”
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That’s a beautiful tribute, Firemom.
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One of the people I work with is a volunteer fireman and we were just talking about this. The world is not the same now as it was before that day.
Thank you.
That was beautifully written. My god bless those who continue to serve and protect us.
thank you for sharing this.
[...] – Firemom’s Love Thursday: 343 [...]
That’s beautiful. Such a great tribute. It’s so important we all take the time to remember.
found you on Shutter Sisters today…what a beautiful post. thank you.
[...] wasn’t going to post today. I’ve nothing eloquent to add to any of the statements being [...]
Wiping the tears as we get ready to go celebrate tonight with fellow fire fighters and wives tonight. Each firefighter touches so many lives that just one death affects 100′s.
We are still dealing with the death of our Fire Chief. We are blessed with some new marriages and some new pregnancies to pull our sadness to laughter and hope.
Blessings to all today and I hope everyone took a moment in remembrance.
Vals last blog post..4 Years of blogging