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Sunday, July 22, 2007

Captain Paul Dunn




First off, let me say that this is NOT a sad post. So please, don't think it is! I'll try to keep it brief, but I just have to write about this.

Today I got to attend a fireman's funeral. The fireman was Captain Paul W. Dunn, shown above with his wife Jan and their little dog Harvey. I took this photo of them just over two months ago, about the same time Paul, at the age of 70, went on medical leave from the fire department because of brain cancer that had progressed to the point where he could not work any longer. Since his diagnosis early this year, he and Jan have shared with us their courage in the face of fear, their joy in the face of sorrow, their ability to laugh and find the humor in life's sadder annoyances, and their very great faith and love. Over the past two days everyone has talked about Paul's good nature, even temper, great sense of humor, devotion to the department and to his family -- in other words, we all agreed that he was a good man.






Again, I don't want to get sappy --Paul wouldn't appreciate it at all! But today I got to attend a fireman's funeral. From what I witnessed over the past week or two, let me tell you all -- THERE is a fraternity. It's not just the stuff of movies -- it's real life. And I wondered, why ARE firemen like that? Then I thought about what they do for a living. Right off the top of my head, I can't think of any other occupation quite like the job of a fireman. They MUST become a team, a brotherhood -- their very lives depend on each other every single day that they go to work. And the honor that they bestow upon one of their own is something to see. I can't begin to describe the ceremony, but there was a 21-gun salute, a fly over by a local medial emergency helicopter, bagpipes and drums (including the solitary bagpiper who turned and walked away across the cemetery, still playing Amazing Grace), a last dispatch call to Paul on all emergency radios, sirens from fire trucks -- it just goes on. It was a beautiful memorial to a good man. It was a celebration of a good life.


So, this is to say "thank-you" to all the firemen, policemen, emergency workers, soldiers, and all the others who I can't think of to name, but who risk their own safety for the rest of us. We should say thank you more often. This is also to say "thank-you" to all the good nurses out there -- the oncology floor is a tough one and the nurses at St. Mary's were great. I know at least one of you readers out there is a pediatric oncology nurse (Marta!) and I don't know how you do it. Thank-you!


Again -- this isn't a sad post! It is a celebration! There will be some art coming along in the next few days.


But TODAY I got to attend a fireman's funeral.

Wow.

News Video







8 comments:

annie said...

We recently had a fireman's funeral procession walk by on the road in front of our office. They were walking behind the firetruck which was carrying the casket.

We all could not help ourselves. Everything stopped while they walked by. It was a very moving sight.

And I am glad that your Captain Dunn had a wonderful homegoing celebration.

Africantapestry and Myfrenchkitchen said...

I salute them right along with you. A wonderful tribute...and I can't help being moved by it, but it is a good "being moved"!
ronell

Unknown said...

Amen.

Wonderful tribute, Linda - you did well.

And I recognized Harvey right away...

Tami said...

This is moving, it isn't "sad", it was a REAL, from the heart, post. One of those times in life when we do need to stop and be in the moment.

mARTa said...

I am the proud wife of a firefighter. For the past 31 years I kiss him goodbye in the morning and try not to think if ever that will be the last kiss. I am always comforted by the fact that he is with 'his' brothers and they watch out for each other. I have seen my Rudy in the news, have heard the stories that have made us both cry and now we are both looking forward to his retirement in 2 years. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story about firemen like my Rudy.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Linda for reminding us. They have sure been there for me this past year (paramedics) and I trust each and every one of them.

Anonymous said...

Not a sad post at all. But a great tribute to a good friend and good man.

Deb Salter said...

This was a beautiful post, Linda. I could tell there was an enormous amount of dignity surrounding this funeral. I know it was not a sad post but it still brought tears to my eyes.