Mu’s Blog

It’s one of those things you never really think will happen to you. I am unsure of the usage of the phrase ‘happen to you’ because it reallys doesn’t involve me at all but it is applicable all the same.

I saw a sign posted at the diner tonight advertising an ‘emergency fundraiser’ for the benefit of a severly injured volunteer firefighter from a local town. I might have glanced, might have missed it all together if it hadn’t said emergency. Before I could really wonder about the concept of an emergency fundraiser I recognized the name if the injured.

It clicked surprisingly fast. The party in need was a man who had married a girl I’d been friends with some while ago. She had cut all contact with me around the time of her wedding. Never really a reason that I was aware of or made aware of.

I wasn’t sure it was the same guy. Well, I was sure…but wanted to verify. The sign offered the details I needed. Young wife, sixteen month old daughter. For it to be a coincidence was nearly impossible.

I wanted to say something to her. To offer sympathy and support. But should I? It was a long time ago. I am mostly very bad with periods of time but … We hadn’t talked in almost two years.

Too often have I gotten myself into trouble. But I never learn. It just seemed like something I should do.

So I sent her a note. I was surprised to find I couldn’t remember her maiden name. Again, no concept of how long it had been. Eventually I figured it out, and sent a note offering thoughts and prayers.

And she replied quickly. The sentiment was most appreciated.

Good. Hard to fathom how such a gesture could have gone wrong but… well I’ve seen it happen.

To the fireman’s fast and full recovery. To his wife and child. The best.