The alarm goes off for the third time and you cringe. Why the hell did you set your alarm ringtone to fire engine? This is the perfect day to burn some vacation pay. You slowly fall back asleep. You are startled by your own snoring and realize you haven’t been to work in a week. It feels like you worked yesterday. Even if you muster the strength to take that first wakeful, you know the day won’t be any different than the last. Like all the other unavoidable days, you will force yourself to work and dodge the clock for the entire shift. Seriously, how many times can you possibly rearrange your desk? “Can’t that clock go any faster?” The depression sets in when you realize that when this day ends, another is sure to follow. Another mundane, unfulfilling, uninspiring, regular day.
On February 8th, 2014, firefighter Chris Nelson started one of his regular days. He woke up, packed his gear and went to a routine training exercise. Unfortunately, this day was far from regular. As he was climbing a ladder, Chris suddenly let go and fell on his back. When he hit the ground, he wasn’t breathing and didn’t have a pulse. His fellow firefighters ran to his aid and performed lifesaving treatment. He was transported to the trauma center. After he was stabilized, doctors realized that his back and neck were broken. He also had a spinal cord injury. Today, Chris is fighting for his life. His wife is by his side. His son is standing strong. His daughter is missing her daddy.
Chris Nelson is so strong. His spirit will overwhelm his injuries. His family’s resolve will carry him through. Chris, his family and friends are fighting for his life. He would give anything for a regular day. He would give anything to turn that alarm off for that third time. He would give anything to dodge that clock for the entire shift. He would give anything for that mundane, unfulfilling, uninspiring, regular day. He and his family are wishing for those days that we take for granted.
Don’t you dare take those regular days for granted. Don’t you dare wake up and complain, because your alarm went off too early. Don’t ever complain about the days you have to force yourself to go to work. Don’t ever complain about those mundane, unfulfilling, uninspiring, regular days. Regular days are something special. They should be revered. They should be celebrated. They should be honored. Chris Nelson is in the midst of the fight of his life. It is up to us to save some of those regular days for him.
Chris, we are praying for you and your family. Get well soon!
Slightly different,
doc mu