Our youngest son, Philip, is a paramedic. He guards his privacy with diligence so I won’t give away any details here, but suffice to say he has a demanding job that causes us concern from time to time. Those in EMS are often faced with perils that appear rather suddenly and can come from the environment, the patients or by the very form of event that has created the need for emergency response.

He had excelled in carpentry but he determined that he did not want to pursue that as a career and returned to school to begin this education. The years and circumstances endured to get his credentials are long and challenging. Frankly, there were times in the midst of it all that I wondered why anyone would endure such a costly journey when it appeared the system was set to prevent rather than engender success. And the costs associated with working with no pay, carrying your own living expenses and sometimes living away from home while doing practicums means that you need a significantly committed partner. Amanda has given and continues to give to Philip in his journey huge support to not only deal with shift work/life but also dealing with stress on the job.

I am amazed at how they have coped with the daily challenges of life along with the rigors of this profession.

All this to say we are super proud of his accomplishments and grateful for his daily safety.

This isn’t new, but we have seen this in various places and forms so I include it here.

The EMS prayer

As I perform my duty Lord
Whatever may be the call
Help to guide and keep me safe
From dangers big and small
I want to serve and do my best
No matter what the scene
I pledge to keep my skills refined
My judgement quick and keen
This calling to give of myself
Most do not understand
But I stand ready all the time
To help my fellow man
To have the chance to help a child
Restore his laugh with glee
A word of thanks I might not hear
But knowing is enough for me
The praise of man is fine for some
But I feel truly blessed
That you Oh Lord have chosen me
To serve in EMS.

Author Unknown