An ODE to Edward, SFFD

Sometimes people ask me to do an ODE for them, and sometimes I ask them to allow me to tell their story. Such was the case with Edward who, after 28 years as a San Francisco firefighter, had stories to tell.

I couldn't possibly squeeze all his wisdom and experience into one ODE so I chose what I thought were the salient points from his interview and created an 'overview', a short summary of who he is. That's all an ODE is supposed to be.

Since he won't toot his own horn allow me to do it for him. Edward is a kind, giving, caring person who embodies love and respect for life. This is the face you want to see looking back at you through the smoke.

Just look into his eyes and you'll feel him. He's the real deal. I chose that photo because it moves me the most.

What I learned from doing his ODE (because I always learn something) is that fear is the thing that holds us back, and that you can choose how you deal with your fear. It's a timely lesson for me and I have to believe that Edward came to me at this time for a reason. You face your fear, you oush through it, you decide to endure and, ultimately, succeed.