The loss of a son

[ltengine1]

I am a lieutenant on a fire department in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. I recently lost my 18 year old son to cancer. I'm wondering if anyone else has lost a child and how they handled the grief and the job at the same time. Thanks for your time.

[iceman4442]

I can honestly only imagine what you must be going through - my prayers are out to you and your family.

[scubadiver44]

Yes, I lost my only son this February. He was almost 19 years old. He was in an MVA just a few miles from home- a seatbelted passenger- and died the next morning. No drugs/no ETOH- just a senseless 1 car accident. I had to take almost 3 weeks off. I work in the ER as well as volunteer as a medic. I responded to the scene that night... You get the picture. Anyway- for a while, everyone understood that there were days I couldn't come in- I needed time. Some days I had to leave. Almost like panic attacks. I have a very strong congregation to support my husband and me and daughters. We have hope knowing that he's asleep and Jesus promised a resurrection someday. That is what gets me through each day- hope- it's not like he's totally gone. But it's the 'someday' that's so hard. Trying to remember that things happen on God's timetable- not mine.

[NJFFSA16]

First, let me say how sorry I am for your loss.

Second...just remember that if you need someone to talk to or a shoulder to lean on....firefighters have a brotherhood second to none.

Rest assured....one or more of them can be there for you! Don't hesitate to reach out if you need to.

[nfd610]

I am a firefighter emt in newcastle oklahoma fire dept. I lost my son @ 19 years old also a firefighter in a mva on his way to the station for duty. the support of other firefighters and family helped greatly I rely heavily on the memory of my son to help me sustain. if i can help please call me @ 405-485-9715 god bless you no one can know the pain unless they have gone through what we have