Tragedies

are part of almost

every evening news report.

Devasting fires in California

Mudslides smashing

homes, cars, people

covering ground

once visible.

Shootings,

killings

in schools,

concerts,

on the street.

Blizzards

bringing snow, wind,

flooding.

Huge, aged trees,

utility wires down,

no power for days.

People without heat,

Spoiled food,

no way to cook.

Hurricanes,

tornadoes,

bombings.

The list

and realities

go on and on.

The descriptions

are not the focus

of these words.

How often do the

heroes,

First Responders

get the attention

they deserve?

So often,

First Responders

don’t just show up

first, then leave.

These

courageous

men and women

often

 remain on site

for hours, days.

Sometimes

after more than 18 hours

working in one place,

go to another disaster

far from home.

Operating

under the extreme conditions

little or no sleep,

food, water.

Can we pause

and make each

and every one

the focus of

gratitude.

What would we do without them?