Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Mothers and to those who stepped in or stepped up where needed.

To my sister Firefighters, I salute you, for doing double duty (you know exactly what I mean).  Your intellect, presence, grit, contributions to the Fire Service and technical acumen are positive dynamic factors in an ever-changing work environment.

And to: Cheryl Alston, Annie Alston, Hattie Alston, Suzy Manley, Linsdell Gallup, Dorothy Manley, Helen Howard, Josephine Morrison, Sarah Alston, Lenora Bernard, Helen Crump, Lucy Dunston, Gladys Bobbitt, Vernada Watson,  Sis. Reeba, Dinetta Blocker, Mary Sweeney,… you deposited more in me than you can ever receive in return.  From your nurturing, encouragement, support, guidance, scolding, a kind word, a “whuppin'”,  a smile, your managing chaos or maintaining the peace, your love helped define who I am; my  love of God, respect for humanity and sense of self.

I owe you a debt that can never be repaid…

“All that I am, I owe.  I live eternally in the red.”