In remembrance - John Costelloe

Sad news. On December 18, 2008. John Costelloe took his own life. I never knew him, but he was a dear friend of a dear friend. And for my friend I'm posting this. He was 47 years old. He was FDNY Retired. He was an actor, member of the Screen Actors Guild. He appeared in Shazaam, Die Hard 2 and The Soprano's amongst many other projects. And I know he was a good friend to my friend. John you have left many behind that love and miss you. Rest in peace.

Letter from Clovis Fire

In Remembrance

In loving remembrance of Gerald Titmus - Northern Ireland Fire Brigade. He past away yesterday at the age of 45 following a brief illness. I had the awesome opportunity of meeting Gerald when he came to the United States as a member of Fire Fighters For Christ. Our local members asked me to host them at Pelco where I work and give them a tour of our Memorial. Gerald was full of antics. He was endearing. He was actually a police officer for a number of years. He faced terrorists and had many attempts on his life. He was President of the Northern Ireland chapter of Fire Fighters For Christ. He was recently made Chaplain of the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and received his Class As. He never got to wear them. Gerald, well done.

Hi all,

Check this out. It was created by a friend of mine.

My God keep you safe and may you fully rely on Him who is more than able.

God Bless,

Sue

http://www.youtube.com/911Remembered

Commonality

Hello Everyone,

Today I had an article come out in Valley Virtue Magazine. This is a local magazine for women. Now I've run the gammit as far as local publicity - tv interviews, news paper, one radio interview and now a magazine. Hoping for the more national exposure hopefully coming soon.

Anyway, over this first year since the book came out, the greatest support I've gained so far is from those connected with the military. When I wrote the book, I had no idea that connection would come about. I have been told of the common thread between fire fighters, police and the military. I'm glad I've been able to produce something so far people have said is valuable that strikes a cord with members of all areas of service. God Bless you all.

It's 9/11 again. As one that has written a book on the subject, this day comes harder every year. In the beginning I was so far removed. But I've gotten to know too many too deeply. Two people in particular that I wrote about are having a much harder time coping this year. I'm hoping this is just a difficult hurdle in their healing - a necessary time for them to come to terms with all they have been through. I can only hope. I'm no psychiatrist or psychologist. I've just been given the opportunity to interact with so many personally effected and get to know them and become friends. This has been a difficult year.
And here I am. Someone who "wasn't there" that day - didn't know anyone there prior to that dreadful day. But now my life is so effected. Even though I lost no one, didn't know anyone and wasn't there that day - the 9/11 tragedy has become a part of my daily life. But tonight when I was at Pelco and we were preparing for tomorrow's observance ceremony, I looked around and saw so much to be thankful for. Out of this tragic time, so many friendships grew. I knew no fire fighters or police officers personally prior to the tragedy. But now they are a part of my daily life. That is a blessing. I got hugs tonight from our City Fire Chief Randy Bruegman, Port Authority Chief from New York Anthony Whitaker teased me and gave me hug, Andy Isolano who is FDNY - Retired, now living here in California smiled and waved as soon as he saw me and I received many more hugs from our local first responders.
Also there were local families there who lost sons in this war. I sat with them for a time fumbling for the right words to say. Tomorrow they will each be presented a flag. I am thankful for a place like Pelco that still takes the time to honor them.
I expect the morning to be a lot like tonight however I know I will be more teary eyed thinking of my friends that I know are still struggling. And yet I believe it a blessing to be able to weep with them.
This has not been a very structured blog. Not any real point given. Just talking. I hope everyone will remember the victims and heroes of 9/11 tonight and tomorrow.

God Bless

September 11 Again

It's that time of year when we again remember the attacks that fateful day seven years ago. My heart goes out to all who were personally effected. My prayers are with you.

Love,

Sue

Central Valley Blue Star Moms

I have a wonderful letter from the Blue Star Moms:

Central California Blue Star Moms

Hello,

Just want to let you know I will be speaking at the monthly meeting of the Central California Blue Star Moms. These ladies have my thanks and admiration for all they do. I also have a magazine article pending and a couple other prospects in the works. Stay tuned.

Keep in prayer all our fire fighters fighting these California wildfires. This has been an ugly year already. Being able to see the smoke in our air as we do and knowing what we are breathing in, I can only imagine what our fire fighters and the civilians leaving close to the fires are experiencing.

Please feel free to leave me a comment on this very blog site.

Medal Day 2008

Hello Everyone.

Check this out. Congratulations to Neil Malone! Much deserved.

http://home.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/medal_day/2008/fire/pdf/25.pdf

Welcome

Welcome to my blog page for www.healingtheherosheart.com. With this blog I hope to keep in better touch with those that view my site. I will post news of upcoming events here that are very close and cannot otherwise be posted on the “upcoming events” page on my website. I will also leave news and other thoughts there.

Also, it is a place where you can write to me. Let me know your thoughts about the book, ask me questions, let me know what you do, etc. If you don’t want such communication posted but want to contact me, there is my contact page as well.

For now I would like you to go to my links page and click on “Ride For Chris.” Jonathan, a Fresno City Fire Fighter is biking for Leukemia research in memory of Fresno County Fire Fighter Chris Johnson. Chris succumbed to Leukemia less than a year ago. He remained as active as possible in the fire department for as long as he could. He had a heart of gold. I hope you will support Jonathan in his goal .

God Bless,

Sue