Jumpline magazine Q1 2023 - Flipbook - Page 50
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Jack Swerdloff, Ret.
Jumpline Editor
Editor’s Page
I’m Thankful
Editor’s page, my chance at informing and inspiring
I’m mostly thankful for
the empathy and compassion I’ve received
while trying to right this
ship. It’s been harder
than I thought it would
be. So I’m going to yap about that mostly.
What develops empathy and compassion? I
have a few ideas on these subjects. First, it
just comes natural to some. We’ve all seen
young kids that are just genuine and kind
people.
I also feel having kids later in life is a source
of empathy and compassion, not to mention
a big reality check. Those cute little suckers
show us the meaning of true love and compassion.
You know what also helps? Loss. The fire
service can be a career of seeing dead
people. Dead kids. People dead too quick.
Some people are lost violently.
On December 1st a Broward Fire Rescue
guy texted me. He’s just one of so many
people that go out of their way to show
empathy and compassion. The text said,
“I read your article man!!! I’m terribly sorry
about your story and it absolutely inspired
me! I will 100% try for that one in a million
save every time. In spirit from now on when
we ride to a call, he will be in the back of
B-shifts mind riding code 3 with us!”
able difference in people’s ability to reach
out to a person in need. In this case, it’s fascinating that a young, hip dude would have
the guts to reach out like that. I’ve searched,
and not found, a logical connection for the
type of person that has strong compassion
and empathy. It ranges from some of our
hardest ex-military old timers, to this young
guy.
The masters of empathy and compassion
are something I’m most thankful for. And I’m
thankful that life has me feeling better and
my daughter is enjoying life. Captain Alicia
Thankful that both of my kids thought
Williams told me shortly after my son died this was the best seat in the house
that it’ll never be the same, but it
doesn’t have to be bad. It pains
me to even think or write about
it, but she’s right. I feel fulfilled
most of the time. I’m thankful for
the Jumpline Magazine, which
is awesome and rewarding and
wholesome and fun and busy!
I’m thankful for Paul Blake recommending me to a new job. And
I’m thankful for those that take
the job seriously, as did the firefighter in my opening paragraph, Thankful to laugh again. Sorry Tom and Frank
Talk about compassion to the Nth degree!
The guts he had to speak of my boy and
honor him through devotion to saving lives
was special!
What’s interesting to me is the unexplain-
Thankful to see long lost friends.
Why is Capt Martell looking at me that way
Thankful for a new job that is fulfilling
Thankful for a brotherhood that wants to help
Thankful for good people who join us to celebrate
22 fun years of my son!
February 2023 | JUMPLINE Magazine
Thankful for a healthy daughter that
loves crappy food and loves hangin
with me, just like her brother did
♥