The last couple of days...

Can you see it? ☝☝☝

The air is beginning to take on that autumn vibe. Well,  kinda-sorta! The last few days have started to cool, and the leaves are hinting at their vibrant transformation that is to come.  I can feel the fall season creeping in, and soon, I'll be able to see it! 

We experienced a few days of gentle rain, where every dribble and drop, every bit of drizzle and glistening dew, contributed to the rainfall amounts. Each tiny speck of moisture played its part!

🦷🦷🦷🦷

Since Sunday, the husband has been battling a persistent and painful toothache, a discomfort that has now become unbearable. Frustrated, he reached out to his dentist for an emergency appointment, but the earliest available slot is not until the 22nd. He then decided to visit the VA urgent care clinic. There, the doctor examined him and suggested that the pain could be indicative of an underlying infection. He was prescribed a course of antibiotics and advised to keep his dental appointment the following week, hoping for a swift resolution to his dental woes.

Sunday afternoon was the day that Flight Nurse, Suzie came home. We walked to the overpass near us to watch as the procession to the funeral home went by. 

An overwhelming presence of emergency vehicles flooded the area, a testament to the respect they all had for Suzie. They came from the UC Davis Medical Center, by the Reach Air Medical Helicopter; the company Suzie served with -  their journey to the Red Bluff Airport. From there, they made their way 29 miles, finally arriving at the solemn destination of the funeral home. 

I never get a chance to stand at the overpass to look out. Pretty nice view...

The crowd came together, forming a long line as they waited the arrival of the procession. A profound silence enveloped the scene, and not a single eye remained dry- people filled their cars and lined the roadside, united in a moment of shared emotion.

The second vehicle carried Susie, closely followed by her husband, RJ, in the black vehicle, who waved to everyone on the overpass. As family and friends followed, a procession of emergency vehicles, including police, fire, ambulances, and sheriff's vehicles, accompanied by Cal Fire, passed by next.  I saw two medical helicopters soar overhead. 

Every overpass for 29 miles was adorned with flags and filled with people expressing their love and gratitude for Suzie and her family.   

As I mentioned earlier, the primary employer and leading industry in this area is the medical profession. This tragic event has connected us all, as everyone knows someone who was touched by her, even if we didn't know her personally.

 It’s not often that someone leaves me in awe, but her unique qualities and experiences resonate with me. Her courage for Christ and her willingness to put others first are qualities we should all aspire to emulate. 

In this world, increasingly consumed by the relentless mantra of "self" and "me me me", 

We all lost a really good one.