Welcome to My Brother is now a Firefighter Friday
I know that I do not normally post on Friday but today is unquestionably special for me. I had the honor of attending the graduation ceremony for Coral Springs Fire Academy Class 10-02. When class 10-02 started the long journey of academy training there were 50 plus members. After 6 months of attrition only 22 graduated. Amongst the decorated graduates was my younger brother Alex. This is no small feat, of all fire academys in the United States, Coral Springs Fire Academy graded out the best. Let me repeat...in the whole of this nation...his was tops.
I cannot properly conceptualize how proud I am of his achievements. He already graduated with honors from the paramedic program, and now he was chosen for the Achievement Award by his Fire Academy instructors. He managed all this while being a husband and a father of two beautiful young girls.
With all that said, I am more fascinated with his intellectual growth. In his younger years he never did well with academics. To see him teach himself to study properly and get through the rigors of the medical terminology and methodology is a true inspiration. I honestly cannot say that I have felt any inadequacy in my life. It’s a weird thing to have your little brother, whom you witnessed grow up, make you feel mediocre. However, I have to admit that I never thought inadequacy could feel so good!
On behalf of The Lawyer & I,
We love you
We are proud of you
We feel safer knowing that you are out there saving lives.
That's it for now...till we exchange a few words again...Peace!
Congrats! I always find it fascinating that fire fighters get the respect they deserve in the States. They are celebrated as heroes and here its just another job...Sex and the City episode brought some attention, but that's about it. BRAVO! Celebrate your brave men!
ReplyDeleteI love how important family is to you....a great accomplishment for your brother! Congrats have a wonderful clebration and if your cooking I know it will be with love and proudness
ReplyDeleteLazaro, I had the honor of being asked by my brother to pin him at his fire academy graduation. He was the top ranked graduate and the oldest by 20 some years! I know the pride you feel. Congrats!!
ReplyDeletexoxo Pattie
Lazaro, kudos to your brother! I have great respect for those brave souls who take on the important job of keeping us safe. Please thank him for me.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
Congrats to your little brother. your nieces look so cute!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your brother, he will be a wonderful firefighter.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Alex!...He has a beautiful family and a brilliant career ahead of him in an admirable and courageous profession...Wishing him a safe journey as he pursues his passion!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your brother! You have every reason to be proud of him. This nation is blessed with men and women like him who would put their lives on the line to help others.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Alex on his accomplishment! Thanks for sharing such an uplifting personal story, great read to start my day:-)
ReplyDeleteAwesome!! Congratulations to Alex.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Bro!
ReplyDeleteYes a Hero is born!
ReplyDeleteYou must be so proud! Congrats and what a beautiful family :)
Lisa
CookNg Sisters
I loved this post Lazaro! It was super sweet and straight from your heart. Huge congratulations to you brother, Alex! Those are some pretty huge achievements, and doing them all while being a parent? Wow! He is also my hero! I know what a tough job parenting can be, but to accomplish all that while being a great husband and Dad should get medals in itself. And what a beautiful family he has! Thank you Alex, for devoting your time in saving the lives of others!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your brother and I thank him and his family for their bravery and sacrifice to the community. Such bravery! May he and his fellow firefighters always be safe!
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday!
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma, What's for Dinner
www.mawhats4dinner.com
Hi Lazaro
ReplyDeleteGreat news, thanks for sharing.
I understand and see how proud you are of your brother.
Congratulations to Alex, all the best.
Great photos ♥
What a lovely tribute! We should all be proud of someone who dedicates his lives to helping others as he does.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your brother! What an achievement!! It is really clear how proud of him you are and so nice to see family that is close and supportive. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the kind supportive comments. I am lucky to have a brother who care about me as much as Laz does. This was not easy for me but I am so glad it's over. I can't wait to start my new career.
ReplyDeleteAlex
Congrats to your brother! What a heartfelt description of showing how proud you are of him.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to a Bernal family!! GO Alex!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Everyone must be so proud of what Alex has accomplished. Amazing day and a great start to the weekend. A lovely post as a tribute to your brother :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Alex and to you Laz and your family too. You are rightly proud! Thank you for sharing what must be one of your happiest moments to date :)
ReplyDeleteP/s - Laz, I thought I was going to read about a fabulous sandwich you created.....this is so much nicer though!
What a sweet post! Fire fighter is a career that I respect deeply, those guys risk their lives to save others. So courageous and honorable...and your brother seems to be a wonderful person.
ReplyDeleteCongrats indeed. What a wonderful accomplishment and one that obviously brought the family together which is so important!
ReplyDeleteAwww such a touching post. Family stories such as these warms the heart. Congratulations to your brother, this is definitely something to be proud of!
ReplyDelete