BarnBiz n’ Bits

To thee, my firefighter Master, I offer my prayer. feed me, water and care for me, and, when the fire is put out, provide me with shelter, a clean, dry bed and stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.

Always be kind to me. Your voice often means as much to me as the reins. Pet me often, so that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love you. Do not jerk the reins, and do not whip me when going uphill. Never strike, beat, or kick me when I do not understand what you want, but give me a chance to understand you. Teach me gently not to fear the smoke and flames and clanging of the fire bells. Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding; see if something is not wrong with my harness or feet.

Do not check me so that I cannot have free use of my head.
if you insist that I wear blinders, so that I cannot see behind
me as it was intended I should, I pray you be careful that the blinders
stand well out of my eyes. Do not overload me, or hitch me where water
will drip on me. Keep me well shod. Examine my teeth when I do not
eat; I may have an ulcerated tooth, and that, you know, is very painful.
Do not tie my head in an unnatural position, or take away my best
defense against flies and mosquitoes by cutting off my tail.

I cannot tell you when I am thirsty, so give me clean, cool water
often. Save me, by all means in your power from that fatal
disease – the glanders. I cannot tell you in words when I am
sick, so watch me, that by signs you may know my condition.
Give me all possible shelter from the hot sun, and put a blanket
on me, not when I am working, but when I am standing in the
cold. Never put a frosty bit in my mouth; first warm it by
holding it a moment in your hands.

I will pull the steamer or hose wagon without a murmur, and
wait patiently for you long hours of the day or night as you save
lives. Without the power to choose my shoes or path, I sometimes
fall on hard pavement which I have often prayed might not be of
wood or brick, but of such a nature as to give me safe and sure
footing. Remember that I am ready at any moment to lose my life
in your service, for I now am also a firefighter.

And finally, OH MY FIREFIGHTER FRIEND, when my useful
strength is gone, do not turn me out to freeze, or sell me
to some cruel owner, to be slowly tortured and starved to death;
but do thou, My Friend, take my life in the kindest way and your
God will reward you here and hereafter. You will not consider me
irreverent if I ask this in the name of Him who was also born in a stable.

Amen
– • –
Author Unknown

“All men are created equal, then a few become firemen.”
Author Unknown
– • –

“Firefighing – one of the few professions left that still make house calls.”
Author Unknown
– • –

“The funny thing about firemen is, night and day, they are always firemen.”
Gregory Widen, Backdraft
– • –

“Firefighters – your worst nightmare is just another day at the office.”
Author Unknown
– • –

“When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery
Has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work.”
Edward F. Croker
– • –

“Riding the Range”

Valiant steed, trusted friend,
We ride together to the end
Blazing trails, seeking thrills,
Fording rivers, climbing hills
Galloping across the plain
With thundering hoofs
and flowing mane,
Till Mama calls to end our play

“Put up your stick horse for today.”

Author Unknown

Please send Through My Eye entries kmortensen@fcpbuildings.com

My Best Friend

We’ve been together
Through the thick and the thin,
You were there for me
Time and time again.

You were my rational side
I could cry on your shoulder,
And if all you did was listen,
It helped me remove that emotional boulder.

I came to visit you everyday
Even though life for me right then was tough,
Everything that stressed me I told you
I could only imagine for you it was rough.

You never judged me,
You listened to my thoughts
Now I know in my heart,
True friendship can’t be bought.

Now, as I sit here and think,
It’s sort of funny of course.
Who would have thought,
My best friend was a horse.
__
Author Unknown