The Death Of An Icon

Let me see if I have this straight.  Steve Jobs, may he rest in peace, created overpriced toys for adults who have a cornucopia of everything, and his untimely death is greeted by banner headlines, breaking news updates, a massive amount of media attention, social media websites filled with expressions of grief, and mourning usually set aside for an elder statesman or revered religious leader.

Meanwhile, Rev. Fred J. Shuttlesworth, a civil rights icon, who was bombed, beaten, repeatedly arrested, and hailed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., passed away Wednesday, and his death barely registers a blip in the media, on the Internet, or in the blogospere.

Rev. Shuttlesworth Biography

What does that say about who we in America consider to be heroes?  What does this say about our priorities in this country?  While I agree that Mr. Jobs was a brilliant, innovated, upstanding, and passionate man; does he warrant more accolades than a man who put his life on the line on a day to day, hour to hour, basis to fight for African American equality?  I think not, and I think it speaks volumes about how shallow, historically ignorant, self-centered, and self-absorbed American society really is.

RIP, Rev. Shuttlesworth.  You are in a far better place now, and your legacy will live on forever.

Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.

Your Life Can End In The Blink Of An Eye, So Enjoy It

Ladies and gentlemen, during my years on the fire service, I have seen many sudden and traumatic deaths.   Sometimes it can take a psychological toll on a person. Now, don't misunderstand, I love practicing emergency medicine, and it is an honor and privilege to serve on my department. I am proud of each and every man and woman with whom I serve. However, being around illness and death on a regular basis makes one look at things a little differently than most.

I guess the one thing that I have really learned since I have been involved in EMS is that you never know when it is your last day on Earth. Sometimes, lives end suddenly and with no warning whatsoever. There are no fireworks, no drum rolls, and no trumpets. One second, you're there; the next second, you're not. If you think you are guaranteed another day, you aren't. Each day is a gift and not a right.

To that end, live each day as if you won't be given another. Slow down and smell the roses, as it were. Take notice and enjoy the little things. Listen to a child laugh. Practice random acts of kindness and generosity. Watch an old TV show. Laugh at a stupid joke. Take your kid to a ballgame or a movie. Read a book. Do the best you can at work, but always remember that your employer won't take care of you in your old age, assuming you make it that far. Treat others with warmth and respect. Don't be so wrapped up in yourself that you forget about a whole world that is around you.

Above all, remember that tomorrow may never come.

Peace and love, my brothers and sisters.