Tribute Time: Some Stuff I Need to Say

[IdaBriggs]

This is my cheering thread for those who deserve it -- the unsung, everyday heroes who consider "doing the right thing" standard operating procedure.

This is for the police who aren't corrupt, even when they see drug dealers making ten times their salaries, who respond to emergency calls with courtesy, compassion, and respect for their fellow citizens. Thank you for your courage and integrity.

This is for the fire fighters, who run into places where normal folk fear to tread, who face the heat in ways most of us can't imagine, still smile as they rescue the occasional cat in a tree, and handle life threatening situations with calming words and practical deeds. Thank you for your courage and strength.

This is for the emergency responders, from the folks who answer the phone with clarity and wisdom, to the ambulance drivers who get injured frightened people to help as quickly as possible, to the EMTs who assess scary medical situations, and respond in ways that save lives. Thank you for your courage and compassion.

This is for the military people, who stand shoulder to shoulder with each other when bullets fly, and bombs explode, who offer their blood, their bones and their lives in service to their country in defense of all of us. Thank you for your courage and patriotism.

This is for the men and women of the FBI and the CIA who work behind the scenes to uncover evil deeds, and prevent them, whose most astounding victories are never spoken of in public. Thank you for your courage and persistence.

This is for the prosecutors, the defenders, the judges, and the jurors who do their best to make sure justice is served, the truth is uncovered, all voices are heard, and the law is upheld. Thank you for your courage and faith in the law.

This is for the support staff for all of the above who wonder if they are making a difference, who answer the phones, transcribe the notes, schedule the meetings, order the supplies, finagle the budgets, and file the paperwork. Thank you for your courage and your hard work.

This is for the doctors, nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists, teachers, social workers -- to all who make a living by trying to HELP OTHERS, who offer a comforting smile to those overwhelmed by grief, who take a deep breath and try to explain a complicated concept one more time, who don't give up even when giving up seems the only thing left to try, who try to prevent pain and suffering, share knowledge, and lift other people up instead of pushing them down. Thank you for your courage and willingness to serve others.

To all of you wonder: You are appreciated. You are making a positive difference. We see you. Thank you. Thank you very, very much.