Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 3, 2009

Today I was called in on short notice to take my Firefighter 1 exam again. I was monitored by a great instructor, Tom G., who told me since I am such a faithful person I needed to have faith in myself. I have been so lucky to have the teachers at the Academy helping me along the way, pushing me despite all my insecurities.

I used a pencil I've owned for 17 years. I found it by chance in a drawer today. It had Resolve of Long Island on it, an organization for infertile and adoptive families that my husband was president of before we adopted our daughter, 17 years ago. I was secretary and did the monthly newsletter. Can you believe owning a pencil for 17 years, after moving 5 times? When I came out of the building I thought who would have thought I would be where I was today. It seemed pretty weird that when I got that pencil I had applied but wasn't accepted into the W. Sayville Fire Department due to back surgery. I guess there's a time and place for everything.

Oh, and Tom G. wouldn't let me go back over the test nor use my eraser. I thought that was pretty cool.