By Suzz Sandalwood | The deep human cost of service, the unspoken challenges of healing, and the crucial importance of showing up for those left behind.
This was heart wrenching to read but it’s also necessary for people to understand the impact this work has on people’s mental health and wellbeing. I’ve always been in awe of first responders. They’re the quintessential heroes next door. But this sheds a new light on their experiences and vulnerabilities and serves to remind us of their humanity.
So much truth in what you put forward here Suzz. I have to admit that I often find your articles difficult to read. I attended Ryan's funeral and a handful of others like his. I met him a few times and knew and briefly worked with his dad. These incidents definitely have a strong ripple effect. The impact from these and the many other funerals we attend is definitely cumulative. The job of a first responder can be tremendously rewarding, but it extracts much from those who choose to take it on. Thank you for acknowledging this and doing so much to help.
Appreciate you sharing all this and no doubt it comes close to your soul. These themes and topics I write about can be heavy and are important conversations. Thank you for sharing you know the Moonlight family too. Seems we keep finding out we know more and more of the same people.
This was heart wrenching to read but it’s also necessary for people to understand the impact this work has on people’s mental health and wellbeing. I’ve always been in awe of first responders. They’re the quintessential heroes next door. But this sheds a new light on their experiences and vulnerabilities and serves to remind us of their humanity.
Those last few words..”remind us of their humanity.” Yes! Human first. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this.
Very well written and factual. Thank you
Thank you Sharon, will always remember Ryan and your family in these conversations
So much truth in what you put forward here Suzz. I have to admit that I often find your articles difficult to read. I attended Ryan's funeral and a handful of others like his. I met him a few times and knew and briefly worked with his dad. These incidents definitely have a strong ripple effect. The impact from these and the many other funerals we attend is definitely cumulative. The job of a first responder can be tremendously rewarding, but it extracts much from those who choose to take it on. Thank you for acknowledging this and doing so much to help.
Appreciate you sharing all this and no doubt it comes close to your soul. These themes and topics I write about can be heavy and are important conversations. Thank you for sharing you know the Moonlight family too. Seems we keep finding out we know more and more of the same people.