Sorry about that…
…I didn’t mean to drop off the blogosphere completely for like a week. To be honest, I didn’t know what to write about since the biggest thing that happened to us was not a happy one.
As you all know, RR is a member of our town’s Fire Department. He is also a first responder, trained in all things CPR. You may or may not know this, but this means that he carries a pager and we have another one in the house all the time so I know when there is a call when he is not with me. Last Sunday night, we had settled down to watch something on the DVR and the pager went off. We listened and heard that the address was across the street from us and the call was regarding an unresponsive young girl.
RR jumped up, I jumped up and the drill began. He ran for his shoes, I ran for the extra radio so I could hear what was going on and help if I could. He kissed me goodbye (he always does this before a call, I’m scared to death something will happen to him if he leaves with no kiss) and jumped in the car. I listened…and waited.
Five minutes later I heard the worst thing ever. RR on the radio stating that it was a 14 year old girl and CPR was in progress. His voice? Terrible. I knew how bad it was because I know him and I know his voice. I also knew that the rest of the guys would have a hard time finding the driveway because it is not marked.
I ran for my shoes. In my pj’s, I ran across the street to stand at the end of the driveway and flag the rescue truck and anyone else who showed up to the call. At the end of the driveway stood the young girl’s brother with a completely stunned look on his face. I asked him if he was okay, told him my SO was the first FD up there in the Jeep and asked him if he knew who was hurt.
He said, “Yeah, it’s my sister. All I heard was my mom screaming that she hurt herself and wasn’t breathing.”
It was one of the rare moments in my life that I’ve been speechless. After a moment, I said that I’m sure RR is doing his best and everyone else is going to be here any second.
Less than 30 seconds later, the rescue came around the corner, 10 seconds after that, the police, and 10 seconds after that, the ambulance. I knew someone in each vehicle. I knew they’d all be profoundly affected by what they found in that house. I also knew that they were all the most courageous people I know, they all dropped what they were doing to save this girl, to do what they had been trained to do…
…and that they wouldn’t be able to sleep for a week because they couldn’t save her.
Yeah, it’s been a shitty week.
Tags: FD
35 Responses to “Sorry about that…”
Oof, a rough week indeed. I don’t know what to say except I’m so sorry she didn’t make it.
Julies last blog post..Location, location, location
Oh, honey, I’m so sorry.
*hugs*
What a terrible tragedy for this young girl, her family and your entire community. I’m so sorry. How’s RR doing now?
Caroles last blog post..Eye Candy Friday
I am so very very sorry. The hole left by that is so big for everyone involved. Hugs to you, yours and the rest of the FD. Prayers for the family.
CindyCindys last blog post..Good morning to you. Good morning to you.
Oh how awful and heart breaking. And everything Carole said. May she rest in peace.
Oh, God. That’s just beyond terrible … and yes, how’s RR doing???
–Debs last blog post..5:15
I’m very sorry to hear about your horrible week. My prayers are with you and RR. I still remember the first child that my dad responded to and was unable to save. 19 years later, he still thinks about it often. It will take a while, but I hope that RR will be able to deal with the situation.
Melissas last blog post..Sexual Harrassment…or How I got to Knit at Work
What a sad, sad thing for the girl’s family and your community. First responders have one of the hardest, bravest jobs there are out there. My heart feels for all of the responders that were with this young girl…sometimes life just sucks. :(
Hugs to you and RR!
Kim
Kims last blog post..Eye Candy Friday…..
What a horrible thing for everyone! I hope the trauma settles down and sleep returns, without nightmares and slow-mo replays RSN!
I’m glad that at least one nice thing happened.
lynne s of ozs last blog post..Toof!
I am so sorry for what RR and the rest of the first responders must go through when they put their all into something and it doesn’t work out as they hoped. My hugs and thanks go out to each and every one of them for risking their lives for the chance to save someone else’s.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and with you and your SO, It’s such a sad thing.
Sylvies last blog post..And it’s over and done with!!!
That is horrible. I feel bad for the family, friends and everyone who worked so hard to save her.
Heides last blog post..Unexpected Surprises!
Oh, Jess, I’m crying. For everyone involved! If only that young girl could have worked through the pain with her mother. If only. If only.
Hugs to you and RR. xoxo
We all hope to have folks like your husband in our own communities, and are better off because of them. Please convey my thanks to him. You are obviously a good comfort for him at difficult times. I’ll be sending good thoughts your way. Be careful out there!
Jess, what a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to you and RR and the rest of the first responders. Losing someone like that is one of the worst things. The only thing you can do is take extra good care of RR and yourself. I’m sending good thoughts and energy your way.
Harriets last blog post..Where I’ve Been
That hurts. Hugs.
Carols last blog post..Thump Gallop
I’m so sorry to everyone, especially the family. I’m sure they are comforted by being part of a community that ran to their side when they needed help.
My love to both you and RR. He’s a hero in my book, and so are you for doing your part as well.
Tina M.s last blog post..Weekend Away w/Friends
I’m so sorry, Jess. That is a terrible tragedy. It’s the really sad side of the job that our guys do.
Chriss last blog post..Here!
Oh Jess, I’m so sorry. Hugs for all of you…
That just sucks, for everyone. I’m so sorry.
Katys last blog post..If You Were Any Closer The Wool Would Bite You
I am so sorry. Sending hugs.
Kims last blog post..T is for
I am so sorry. That’s just terrible. :( Sending lots of love and hugs.
Opals last blog post..Wonder Twins! Powers! Oxidize!
I’m so sorry. There’s nothing more terrifying, I think, than trying to save, or losing, a young person. I admire RR greatly– he is one of the people that make me want to do the same thing. I’m sending you, and your family, and their family, all my love.
Elinors last blog post..Ten Things I did Today
I’m sorry. At times like these one knows one has a soul, because it aches. Sending hugs and love.
omg. that is horrible. :(
How awful. Big hugs to you both. It’s a brave thing y’all do for the rest of us.
Jessicas last blog post..Many random thoughts
I’m so sorry that anyone had to go thru that. That poor family. Thinking of you and RR and sending thoughts of hugs.
What a tragedy. Very sorry.
dianes last blog post..Next Generation Comments and Profiles on TypePad
I am so sorry — for the family, for RR.
What an awful thing for the family and for everyone that tried to help. I’m so sorry.
Karens last blog post..Progress and not so much progress
I’m so sorry to hear about this sad event. My thoughts are with all of you–you, RR, the girl’s family.xxxx
beverlys last blog post..The Bell Jar
Jess – so sorry to hear about this. Hope you and RR are able to heal a bit in the weeks to come.
christines last blog post..On giving thanks……………….
OMG. That’s what I get for not keeping up with my reading.
I am SO sorry.
karins last blog post..Short Time Out
Oh Jess, I’m so sorry to hear such sad news. I don’t know Roger and all of those who do his job do what they do. They are angels on earth. God bless them all.
I’m sorry, too, that the two of you had to experience such a tragedy so close to home. That poor family. There can be no greater pain than losing a child.
Carrie