What I Learned from Being a Volunteer Firefighter for 20 Years
The Sacred Work Continues
I learned that those ghosts have stayed with me.
With some, I see their faces, with others, their injuries, and sometimes it’s the friends and family members that watched as we tried everything in our power to alter fate. The trauma I bore witness to over the years and the beautiful souls who passed in my presence and prior to our arrival stay with me.
I almost always said a silent prayer of whatever words felt right at the time, knowing that it was both an honour and a privilege to be present at that moment in their life journey.
Moments that should’ve been reserved for loved ones, not strangers in bunker gear. Moments that their loved ones would’ve given anything to be there for, and yet, it was us. Strangers whose job it was to provide whatever assistance we could whenever we’re called.
I’ve spoken with a couple of them since I left the fire department a few months ago—the ghosts that still linger. They aren’t always with me, but they do show up at times when I’m particularly present and open to receiving their message.
I don’t talk to ghosts normally, but when they’ve impressed a message upon me, I do what I can to deliver it (nonchalantly) to their loved ones that remain. Usually by way of a seemingly random text that’s says, “just checking in.” Their loved ones are often amazed by my ability to time my messages with their own thoughts of their beloved angels.
I don’t divulge how I know to reach out, but I take comfort in knowing I’m helping them on both sides, humans and souls, to make the connection of heaven and earth.
Yes, the ghosts have stayed with me.
I pass one of many spots on the highway, and I remember the call in vivid detail. It’s not overpowering or emotionally taxing, they’re thankfully just memories now, but they’ll always be there. Every one of them.
When I see the trucks go by with lights and sirens, and I’m no longer with them, I still say a silent prayer for all.
The ghosts from the past, the firefighters rushing against time and challenging fate, and the souls that are somewhere in between.
Being a volunteer firefighter taught me how delicate and finite life is, and that when a ghost, or a spirit (or whatever you choose to call it) trusts you with a message, you honour them.
Even if all you can do is listen.
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