I am writing this post the morning after a crazy summer storm in this part of New Jersey. Today the morning is quiet, but last night while I was about 35 miles away from home my pager just kept going off.

Last night I was with some old friends for dinner, people I grew up with, who really couldn't quite understand my angst as the pager kept beeping and I was texted to my cell phone with the pages. I've been on calls during storms before, with downed wires, lightening hitting trees, really minor stuff but it almost seems on nights like that God is telling us something, right?

So when I received an "Urgent..." page I excused myself and got up to go. One of my friends made a joke, something like maybe you can roll some hose tonight, and I know she didn't mean any harm, but I was thinking in a volunteer organization, during the prime vacation time, you never know who will show up to a fire call, and even me, rolling up hose or doing outside work while I'm still a rookie can be helpful.

I got to the firehouse 30 minutes later and basically everyone went home right before that. My captain thanked me for my dedication, we chatted for awhile and then I went home. For the next hour or so lightening filled the sky, and I thought how I love this volunteer activity. People will just drop what they're doing to get somewhere where hopefully you're NOT needed. But you go anyway for that one time you will be needed.

For all you people out there considering volunteering for the fire department, especially the women who may be intimidated, don't be because even rolling hoses or helping with a brush fire can be a major help when your other volunteers are on vacation or on a dinner far away with friends.

I don't feel like a rookie anymore I guess. Nine months next week and boy that went fast. And that friend? Well next year she's moving to Morris Township and I'm going to ask her to volunteer with me.