The graduation was emotional for us all, to see our boy achieving the dream he's had since he was nine years old, when he watched 343 men and women of the FDNY run into a burning tower to put their lives on the line for people in harm's way. The sheer loss of life on that day has never left him, and he grew into a man who would say to me, "When everything is going to hell, I want to be one of the people who can do something to turn it around." It was his life's call in one simple sentence. And on Thursday, we were moved to tears as we watched him walk across that stage to receive his official appointment to the largest and busiest fire department in the world.
My son's girlfriend captured our feelings so beautifully in words she wrote late that night after the graduation ceremony. With her permission, I share her post here.
You must be beyond proud. The photos are lovely and the smiles say it all.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lily. Just think, the baby we once held. I'm gobsmacked.
DeleteOh god. Crying again.
ReplyDeleteJust...magnificent. All of this. And especially that beautiful man.
Stay safe always. Yes.
And if anyone can turn things around, it would be your son.
Mary, guess what, he actually got a fire call on his first day on the job, which was the same day his cousin got married. We missed him, but he'll be at the big wedding event in December. Most firefighters wait months for the first fire once they join a firehouse. At least now he'll know more what to expect.
DeleteI've shed a few tears here, too. This is such an amazing, inspiring story. There are going to be so many people thankful to have your son on the job, so many lives on which he will have an enormously positive impact. Congratulations, well done, and good luck to your dedicated and giving son. And that prayer for safety, always that prayer.
ReplyDeletejenny, i really appreciate you. I feel your warmth and support. And that prayer for safety, always, thank you, thank you. love.
DeleteThis is an ongoing love story in so many ways. My perception is that it is Love that moves your son to say, "When everything is going to hell, I want to be one of the people who can do something to turn it around." My favorite photo is the second one, with his beloveds.
ReplyDeleteam, yes! you are so right! it is a love story. I absolutely love that you get that. thank you!
DeleteJust absolutely lovely.
ReplyDeleteYour son is the perfect split of you and your husband. Such a fine, handsome young man.
May God watch over him.
liv, thank you, my friend, and for the prayer, especially that.
DeleteSo much joy and happiness. What a dream and what an accomplishment. Please tell your son he has a fan club far and wide, cheering him on always.
ReplyDeleterobin, there was a lot of joy, it was such an emotional day. My daughter said, "I think I will never get over this." It felt kind of monumental. Hard to explain. Thank you for cheering him. I believe all the good thoughts will surround him like a cloak, like love.
DeleteCongratulations on such an amazing achievement. You have raised a wonderful person!
ReplyDeleteSabine, thank you for persevering and finding me again. I think my man and I have been very lucky. He came here with this call, perhaps. It sprang from him.
DeleteWhat a wonderful accomplishment. Congratulations!
ReplyDeletee, thank you, dear friend. it is indeed an accomplishment. it took fully six years to get to this place. he never wavered.
Deletecongratulations, well done family , supporting his dream, though dangerous. He is such a gift. LOVE
ReplyDeleteLinda Sue, when someone is so sure of what they want to do with their life how can we turn them aside. I tried actually. It did not work. But I am so proud of him. Thank you for being here.
DeleteCongratulations to your son!!!!!, that is such a great accomplishment! I wish him a safe and successful long career!
ReplyDelete