Unspoken heroes

Several years ago, I had the privilege of working with some great people while employed as a dispatcher with Montgomery Fire. I'm sure some things have changed since I was there, but one thing stays constant. Firemen and medics would not know where to go, and you as citizens would not get the help needed, if not for dispatchers.

Dispatchers are the link to people and rarely get the praise they deserve. They take 911 calls that are often from people who are hysterical or don't know where they are. They talk people through emergencies, learn codes and procedures, dispatch units and so much more. These are things your average person doesn't know. I didn't until I took a job that can be satisfying and sometimes humbling.

I found myself worrying about the firemen and medics, wanting them to be safe. I never wanted to call a death over the radio ... never. Dispatchers are under the stress of getting the calls right, dispatching the right units and all the other responsibilities they have. Everyone remembers the fire fighters, and they should, but you should also remember your dispatchers.

Dispatchers are unspoken heroes, and although I no longer work with them, I'll never forget them or what they do for our city. Thank you for serving us.

One of God's gifts

God gives us many gifts, but one I tend to take for granted is our beautiful landscape. I'd never behold that beauty if it weren't for God.

On Tuesdays, I have a two-hour drive home after a very long day, which I admit I've complained about often. However, as I drove home today, I looked at the beauty around me and kicked myself for not having my camera.

I was driving from Lake Wedowee on Alabama 48 and then on Alabama 9 and was surrounded by trees with leaves that were amazing Autumn colors of gold, rust, orange and red. There are no words to describe these gorgous colors in the background along the lake. It was literally breathtaking.

Instead of complaining to myself I began to truly appreciate this gift. Alabama is a beautiful state, and I'm proud to be a native. We don't have to travel north to watch the leaves change, all we have to do is look around us everyday.

I thank God for this precious gift and blessing and will try to appreciate more of the gifts he bestows upon us. Despite the long day I had, the drive home made it worthwhile.