That’s a heartbreak in a handbasket, man.  Sacrifice is one of the aspects of life that reminds us of the best parts of our own humanity, and to be denied the opportunity to make a difference, the chance to help when help is so obviously needed, that’s got to be a little on the painful side.

Is this the last straw, then?  Are you ready to step away from EMS and find something else, some other way to live?  Or are you going to keep on holding out, knowing that you still make those (perhaps smaller) sacrifices on a day to day basis, and that they really do make a difference?

“Crossroads” is a good name.  You’ve got a choice to make, and only you can decide if you’re prepared to take a different path.

I love having you here with me, but it hurts my heart to see you staring at the coverage of Gustav wishing you were there to help.

If you’re not going to move up the ladder to where you should be, the one making the decisions your corporate monger bosses are too “pussy” and money hungry to make, then… yah, you need to get out for your own health and sanity.

I support you in any decision you make.

I know that “want” to help.  There have been times that I have felt it so strong that it hurts.  9/11, Katrina, floods, etc.  I’ve never been able to follow my desire to help because of my own financial difficulties.  I’m so grateful for people like you who can.  I’m sorry your hands are tied in this, Dawg.  I know what it must do to you.

Dawg

The only thing I really know about you is your love for what you do.  I am hoping that although this decision was a long time coming, that you will be able to continue working as an EMT with someone else.

Because if they lose you, they’ll lose one of the good guys.  No, one of the best.

I’m hoping there won’t be a need for all the extra help like last time… but you know… hope in one hand…

I’ll go down again this year if I’m needed…

I’m still going to hope no one is needed there.

I know it’s naive… but I’m hoping.

you are a good man, dawg.  only way i can think to explain situations like this is that sometimes i am exactly where i need to be, even though i don’t know it. 

that probably didn’t help, but i figured i would throw it out there anyhow.

good luck in whatever decisions you make.  change is never any fun, but at least you have a gorgeous and supportive poppy at your side.

I can’t believe they would let that stop them from sending assistance. Actually, I take that back, I can believe it in this day and age. I just wish I didn’t have to.

It’s funny you want out because I have thought of training to become an EMT, mostly because I feel I would be most satisfied in a career where I can make a difference.

I think you should do what makes you happy!

I can’t imagine how frustrating and heartbreaking it is to feel that you can’t be where you feel you should be.  I live in a small, little town where if my EMTs weren’t here when I needed them...on two occasions...I wouldn’t be here to tell you about it.  Like Britt, I’m just hoping upon hope that the help won’t be needed.  I don’t know if I can watch history repeat itself.

...Totally feelin you Dawg! Katrina was the reason I decided to make use of my cool new card. All the walking away and shaking my head is starting to cause damage to my supraclavicular nerves.