October 1, 2009
Preparing 5
I have a handbook.
I have a list of items to bring.
I have a uniform.
And I have a suitcase packed and ready to go.
Tomorrow I leave for Emmitsburg, Maryland to participate as a family escort at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Memorial Weekend. I have been the presiding chaplain for two years but this will be the first time I have been assigned to specifically care for one family for the whole weekend. Tonight I am starting to get nervous.
For 10 years I have been caring for the families of fallen firefighters. I care for a family for an average of 3 years. I have been to memorials with them. I have talked with them at midnight. I have caught their tears. I have made them laugh. I have become their friends. I have never been nervous. I am not sure why I am nervous about this.
I have been to the Memorial Weekend before.
I will be briefed on my family.
I will be briefed on my duties.
Why am I nervous? I’m nervous because I am not sure which family I am assigned to yet. I want to be able to prepare for their needs. I don’t know their story yet and I feel like I’m not prepared. When my families from Texas go to the Memorial, I have known them for a year or more by then. I know their stories. I know their personalities. I know how to care for them. I can, for the most part, project their needs. Not knowing makes me worried that I won’t be able to provide the best care and service to the family that I have been asked to serve.
I’m praying.
I’m shining my shoes.
I’m polishing my badge.
I’m praying.
I’m thinking.
I’m preparing for one of the most important aspects of the work that I do.
And I’m honored.
Oct 03, 2009 @ 14:35:47
You are well equipped….your heart knows what to do! Wishing you a safe trip and for you to be all the family needs you to be.
Oct 03, 2009 @ 19:58:05
Praying for you as you care for and comfort the hurting family you are assigned to. You’ll be great!
Oct 04, 2009 @ 05:24:09
Praying that God has (and will continue to) given you the wisdom to meet their needs. You are equipped, I’m sure of it. Maybe not prepared like you would like, but definitely equipped.
Oct 06, 2009 @ 09:10:52
What a wonderful entry. God was making you humble so he could get you out of the way and work through you. Another reason to feel honored.
Oct 08, 2009 @ 16:55:47
I said a prayer for you tonight… remember that God has equipped you. You can do all things through Him who gives you strength.