Legacy

We buried my grandmother this morning. Dad's mom lived to 83 and died after suffering a heart attack almost three weeks ago. It has been, over the years and in the last days, a time of mixed emotions. Perhaps it has always been hardest on dad. In an attempt to protect himself and his family he had to release any relationship he could have had with his own mother - I can't even imagine.

I am not too aware of the details of his childhood - not even sure he ever had one. He has shared memories of Michigan and I've seen pictures, but I don't know much of his life before he met mom and had three boys. I have always suspected that he had to grow up before his time. However, I know this - my father has started a new Legacy with the life he is leading, the kids he raised and the woman he has stood by. My parent's love and support have far outweighed any shortcomings that anyone may point out in their parenting.

Now the grandchildren of Ethel Hanauer are all grown and have careers to be proud of, beautiful wives to take care of and children of their own to watch after. We will continue the young legacy that begins with our dad. We will share wonderful childhood memories and watch our kids make their own with their grandparents - mom and dad. The Hanauers are a formidable family - not one to be messed with. We will carry on a tradition of love and faith and unity far beyond my years. We will do this, because that is what a legacy is all about.

And you get a lion's share of the credit - dad. I love you.

32

32
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

This was the scene on the two-alarm fire I made this morning with Truck 32. We were already out at 0625 when the call came in for a fire with victims trapped on the second floor. Leaving the salvage run we were on, we blasted down MLK Dr to find the picture above. Truckers had already pulled a woman from the roof and were heading inside to find her son. Mark and I prepped to shoot the roof and cut a hole which would vent the heat and smoke. With chain saw in hand, I was ordered off the turntable and to the District Car to run accountability. I dropped the saw and got no closer to the fire than what you see on the screen.

I was told later, after Unit 3 relieved us on the scene that this is part of the job. Sometimes you are pulling victims out just in time, other times you are watching. I am going to try and not let it ruin an otherwise beautiful day here in Cincinnati.

The son will be fine, he was taken by Rescue 14 to The University Hospital and is listed as stable. He mother was treated for smoke inhalation and met up with her son with the help of the Salvation Army. No firefighters were hurt.

Norman and Family

normanandfamily
Originally uploaded by joshuahanauer.

Just a quick post to show Norman to friends and family who may not have seen him yet. Each day he reveals a bit more of a playful personality and really is a wonderful new addition to our home. Things are well in Cheviot.