I’ve lived my life both inside and outside the fire service with the constant approach of “What’s the best way forward from right now”. That has carried me through 25 years in the fire service, several injuries both on and off duty, a period of substance abuse, witnessing and running a line of duty death, a divorce, and countless smaller struggles in life. And I feel like one of the luckiest men on earth. Religion and prayer aren’t my go to, I’ve seen my share of counselors, but a few late nights and a couple good cups of coffee were pivotal moments to me. I don’t really have any answers, and I may laugh, and I may cry, but I do know I’ll listen.