Post by Gator on Aug 20, 2003 1:28:59 GMT -5
On a warm August day, I strolled down a sidewalk here in the town I serve, handing out stickers to the little children who had come to enjoy the games, rides, and refreshments at our National Night Out party, an event held around the United States to promote nieghborhood relations and to stop youth violence. In attendance were The Thunder Riders motorcycle club, allowing the kids to sit on their prized Harleys & take pictures. Chief David Wood and the P.D. were providing parents with info sheets complete with picture of their kids to be used if they ever were missing. Sheriff Leroy Moody and members of the S.O. allowed the kids a rare look at their SWAT apparel, even allowing them to try it on. Even Texas Ranger Oscar Rivera was there to show his support. When it was all over, as I was driving away in my ambulance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I was a part of an effort to prevent the senseless violence that was all too present growing up in and around New Orleans. It was a good ride back to the station.
In the early morning hours though, that optimism was shattered as I came face-to-face with that same violence. Another young man was shot, another young man was dying, another life viciously gunned down for no good reason. To say that the next two hours were traumatic is a horrible understatement. We gave everything we had, and so did he, fighting for his life, all to no avail.He leaves behind a wife to be and two babies.
While cleaning the unit out,sweeping the back out, I saw that same roll of stickers fall to the floor,having been caught up in the treatment area.Someone said,"Oh, look,we've lost all those stickers."
It was all I could do to hold back. I somehow saw those stickers falling down and out the back doors as a symbol of what is happening to our children, falling down and out of life.
We desperatly need to take back our children from the streets and the violence that plagues it. Talk to them, ask them about their day.When they try to answer,listen. Ask who their friends are, meet the parents of those kids.Be active and supportive in their lives. If you are already doing this,as I know many of you are, thank you.You are not only assuring your own child's future, but making a better community for all the kids.
This is a letter to the editor of our local paper that I've prepared and will be submitted once the family of the young man has had time to grieve. It is my hope that it will have positive effect on all who read it.-Gator
In the early morning hours though, that optimism was shattered as I came face-to-face with that same violence. Another young man was shot, another young man was dying, another life viciously gunned down for no good reason. To say that the next two hours were traumatic is a horrible understatement. We gave everything we had, and so did he, fighting for his life, all to no avail.He leaves behind a wife to be and two babies.
While cleaning the unit out,sweeping the back out, I saw that same roll of stickers fall to the floor,having been caught up in the treatment area.Someone said,"Oh, look,we've lost all those stickers."
It was all I could do to hold back. I somehow saw those stickers falling down and out the back doors as a symbol of what is happening to our children, falling down and out of life.
We desperatly need to take back our children from the streets and the violence that plagues it. Talk to them, ask them about their day.When they try to answer,listen. Ask who their friends are, meet the parents of those kids.Be active and supportive in their lives. If you are already doing this,as I know many of you are, thank you.You are not only assuring your own child's future, but making a better community for all the kids.
This is a letter to the editor of our local paper that I've prepared and will be submitted once the family of the young man has had time to grieve. It is my hope that it will have positive effect on all who read it.-Gator