thank you's

[duerr2]

As I sit here reading, I am reflecting on some of the really negative things I've gone through and some of the incredible positives since I made the decision that forever changed my life.
I've been given many great opportunities because a wonderful group of men saw beyond my gender and let me use and build my knowledge and skills...
My anatomy will never change, but some negative opinions have because I've learned it's more important to know what you're doing than to look good trying to impress them.
I owe a really big thank you to all of those who saw through the smoke and realized that there was more to me than they originally thought! You have given me the courage to spread my wings.
Thanks to Cliff and Foxy and the West Des Moines guys. Russ, Keith, John, and those not mentioned, too.
And one final note to my wonderful husband...Thank you for being the wind beneath my wings. You give me the "at home" emotional support I need to keep going every day. I'll love you forever and I'll like you for always...Jenn

[Pastor Dawn]

Your "thank you" really struck a note. I too have many people to thank but some who helped me get started almost twenty years ago have now passed away; so I regret that I lost my chance to tell them how I felt. But i won't miss the opportunity now:

Thanks to Mark who always answers my questions, to Karl and Dave who taught me how to be an excellent driver, to Gene and Gerry for their patience, to Mark B. and Ray who always are my "rocks" of support and to Chip, who I badly misjudged, who has been a strong source of suuport and strength. Of course, like Jenn, I would not be here today if it wasn't for the support of my husband, Ken, my kids and the love of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus.

[duerr2]

Thanks Pastor Dawn! It's nice to know that I'm not alone in cyber-space! I'm teaching a class tonight with by far the biggest influence in my fire fighting life(besides my husband)...I intend to tell him how much his guidance and support has meant to me. I know that he knows how eternally grateful I am, but I need to tell him before he's gone and I can't...
Stay safe! Jenn

[Pastor Dawn]

Nope, you aren't alone, Jenn. I daresay there are many women (and men) who feel the way that we do. None of us would be where we are today if it wasn't for the advice and encouragement of someone. I'm just glad that I saw your post so that I could remember to say my "thank you's" before it was too late.

Big hugs,
Dawn