The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
A tribute to my father.
My dad had a heart attack back on March 18th at one of his fire drills and he quit breathing, thank god he died behind the fire truck and in front of 20 other firefighters/medics because they were able to bring him back with no side effects and he'll be returning to work in a month or so. He ended up having 4 coronary arteries that were over 95% blocked. I thank god everyday for giving him back to us. I was at our drill at the same time and actually heard the call go out that my dad was not breathing, wow that was a shocker. So I wanted to do something for him and this is what I did last weekend and its on my forearm. I put his fire number in the crest.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Olivia Jones on
-
That is a beautiful piece of art you have on your arm, and I agree that your family was blessed that day. Too many times gone means gone, it is wonderful to hear about a different outcome.
-
Permalink Reply by Dan Dunn on
-
A beautiful tribute to your father. The artist was very good also, it looks amazing.
-
Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
-
First off, I think it's really cool that you memorialized your dad the way you did. The good news is that he's still around. So here's the heads up for folks reading this post... I don't smoke, I don't drink (much...), and yet when I went in for my first and only body scan, it picked up heart problems. Bad ones, just like your dad. Had I not taken the time to get the body scan, I too could have been history.... No more Cqptain Busy, no more fun graphics or informative posts, just a memory of someone who was there. Kind of like putting your hand into a bucket of water, Take it out and you don't notice any difference... That's not the way I wanted to go out, especially at age 56.
I feel lucky, like your dad does I am sure. My cardiac issues are being resolved through medications, exercise and a change in diet. I've lost 30 pounds dropped my BP from 160/90 to 117/58 with a resting pulse in the 70's now. Life is good but you have to take the time to get routine checks right? Don't count on it. I've been a hazmat guy since the 80's and have undergone stress EKG's and physicals that showed none of the cardiac blockage. No one likes these kinds of surprises.
Bottom Line: There are inherent risks with working this job. Stress can be a killer just the same as a hazmat exposure or physical injury. When you read things like eat right, stay away from fatty foods, don't eat fried foods, etc. they all really have a meaning that is critical for us as firefighters to follow. The stresses that we have to deal with on the job can kill you unless you stay a couple of steps ahead of the curve. The most important thing we can do as firefighters is to be physically in shape, all of us. To not do so limits the number of days you get to have fun on this planet and I for one plan on having a lot more fun. So does your dad!
TCSS,
CBz
-
Permalink Reply by Russ on
-
your tribute is touching and the artwork beautiful. my father died one year before i became a firefighter it was my dream for him pin my badge on me and it fell to my mom. god bless your dad and may god protect you, your department and their familys
-
Permalink Reply by Randy Bawks on
-
First off thank god your father is ok. I really like the tat,it looks great. I have a similar story about my dad,but the ending worked out a little different. My dad had a massive heart attack,and was on a transplant list. They said they found a heart from a fire fighter from Flordia. Next thing I knew they said the heart was not useable because the biopsy showed cancer. He passed away a couple days later. He was on the dept. that i am currently on,and I think about him every day. I wanted some way to remember him so this is what i have.
Sorry I dont want to steal your thunder, you have an awesome tattoo and an even better story
-
Permalink Reply by T.J. on
-
Sorry to hear about your lose Randy, that's a nice tattoo also God Bless you all.
-
Permalink Reply by rosauro t. duro jr. on
-
that was cool man,,, hope ur dad like it man.....
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
