Outside Looking In with Paul Crowe

Late night, brakes lock, hear the tires squeal 

Red light, can't stop so I spin the wheel 

My world goes black before I feel an angel lift me up

And I open bloodshot eyes into fluorescent white 

They flip the sirens, hit the lights, close the door and I am gone

These are lyrics to one of my favorite songs- Artist in the Ambulance (Listen to Thrice Artist in the Ambulance on YouTube) An "artist" makes something from nothing/ molds & brings things to life. Our culture gives fame and glory to celebrities, bands, singers, actors, even writers are deemed "artists" which we are, but we also don't give credit where credit is due to nontraditional artists, EMTs, Firefighters, police, soldiers, ect. First Responders sadly show up to disastrous scenes creating hope in hopeless situations and bring people back to life. 

"Life was full of indelicacies. I wondered how beauty and obscenity could coexist.  Only a door separated two very different realities within the same world, beauty of a storm passed and a war on the verge of surrender." - Questioning the Universe, my novel in Progress

When I was approached to write a blog on First Responders I immediately thought of this line from my novel. Life IS full of indelicacies and beauty and obscenity DO coexist. Bad things happen, lives change in an instant, and tragedy strikes when you least expect it. Luckily we have these selfless individuals to help retain our freedom, to enforce justice, to help when we are sick and broken and ultimately save our lives. These wonderful people help to keep our world beautiful and are there to offer help when we are on the verge of surrender. THANK YOU to all of the men and women out there that fight and work hard to keep us safe. 

I have a guest blogger today. Thank you Paul Crowe for your willingness to contribute.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN 

by: Paul Crowe C.D.

Days will always begin with the break of dawn and the sunset will close out with the night skies, in our busy lives we wish to just have a couple of moments to ourselves to relax from the busy schedules we keep in our day to day activities. But there are people who live their lives in pursuit to help others where the time we so preciously need can be their darkest hours. As a veteran myself I feel compelled to discuss, bring to light and identify those who do such work and ask so little in return. I am proudly talking about a our Armed Forces, Police, Firefighters, EMS and 911 Dispatchers.

Many people don't understand the life outside the job or the passion it takes to do the task in the first place, the heartache and the internal pain that never seems to go away. Living day to day with the same events not only takes a toll but can become the most haunting memories to bear. How many times have you been a witness to something terrible such as a car accident, a burning building, or a robbery in progress? Your glad to be standing far enough away so as not to become involved. But, someone takes the next step because its their job and goal in life to help others in a time of need.

Emergency personnel have a work family and the comrade of their own to count on and discuss the worse of times and gladly the best of times, to discuss ups and downs and personal strives. Many go home to their families to relax and hopefully discuss what brings them to a darker place to find comfort within.

In today's world we often see the bad, and hopefully some good that our emergency services personnel must endure on a daily basis, they give their all and ask so little in return. Topics for discussion such as PTSD, homelessness and mental health need not be something to shy away from ,but become involved not because you have to but because you want to and feel the need. We are not all cut out to do this type of task, but we are all grateful they are and need to do our part. Next time, just say thanks for your service, glad you were here when we needed you. I was “outside looking in”. 

A veteran of over 20 years of service with the Canadian Armed Forces, a decorated service member with several years spent traveling North America, Europe and the Middle East for business and pleasure. Originally from Peterborough, Ontario now retired and residing in the beautiful Fraser Valley, British Columbia. Love of writing to tell the stories that need to be heard.

Paul Crowe C.D.

Published Freelance Writer

@ScorpiosTales

lifecreateswords@gmail.com

Questioning the Universe News- This week was HUGE for me. I finally sent my manuscript off to my lovely editor +Susan Malone It is rough but I know together we can make something beautiful. I am so grateful for her patience and her willingness to work with me. Thanks to my husband for supporting my dream and not outright telling me I was crazy for changing my career choice from nurse to writer. To my kiddos for dealing with a cranky, reclusive and some times crazy mother. Having your mom talk to herself and act out scenes in the parking lot is probably not good for your rep. To my friends and family who have listened to countless hours of me talking about Matt and Faye, your job is far from over. To my best friend Emily for inspiring Emmalyn. I don't think I would have gotten through my teen years without you and BING. And to the Angel who inspired Matt, thanks for watching over me and may I do your memory justice.

Next time your mind wanders, follow it around for a while. You never know where it might lead you. Thanks for reading. Remember to thank those who keep us safe. Have a blessed week full of love and inspiration. XoXo- Cheryl