Protect Us

It's taken me a few years to get used to the firefighter's schedule, but I've adjusted to our version of normal: Holidays are often spent apart or celebrated early or late, some important life events cannot be made by both parents, and fire station visits can make a terrible day a lot better for 5-year-olds (and wives, too!). In keeping with our wild life, we celebrated Father's Day yesterday. Norah and I holed ourselves up in my bedroom to wrap Zach's presents and sign his cards. We found a sweet book at the grocery store called Thank You God, for Daddy and I ordered a sterling silver Saint Florian pendant and chain. For those of you who don't keep up with the Saints (I'm one of them... the only Saint I can remember is Anthony, because Sam used to pray to him when she had lost something and it always came back to her) Florian is the patron saint of firefighters. The pendant is in the shape of  the maltese cross and says PROTECT US on one side. Zach is a difficult guy to shop for; he will ask for 3 specific gifts for a holiday or birthday, and those are my only options. He knows what he wants and that's it. He also hates surprises, so I think knowing with 33.33% accuracy what he'll be getting makes him happy somehow. He's even set up a gift ideas tab in our search engine's favorites section to make my shopping easier. About a week ago he mentioned that he didn't have a Saint Florian, only a Saint Michael, the patron saint of paratroopers from his time in the Army. I immediately knew what I'd get him for Father's Day.

When Zach opened his gifts he seemed genuinely happy. He gave us thank you kisses and ran to the bedroom to add his Saint Michael pendant to the chain. There is a lot of pride in firefighting, well-deserved pride, and I think following in his dad, uncle, and brother's footsteps in the profession has made it extra special for Zach. As he nears 30, he's getting more sentimental, too, particularly when it comes to things related to his dad. Wearing Saint Florian close to his heart is a way for him to show respect to those who have served before him, remembrance for those lost on duty, and peace and protection for him. It's incredibly fitting, I think, for him to wear the words PROTECT US, because that is exactly what he does. He puts his life on the line when the call comes in without a second thought. If there is someone in need, Zach is the first guy to offer a hand. He is selfless and brave and noble in that way, and Norah isn't the only girl who thinks he's a hero.

As we approach the actual Father's Day, I look forward to honoring my dad and father-in-law for their love and protection, too. You may not believe in saints, or you may not have a father to hug this weekend, but take a moment to thank whoever it is protects you. And don't forget the sacrifices firefighters and police officers make every day. They do it for their families, and they do it for you.

Happy wild life!