Today, I acted like Joe Biden [View all]

[AverageOldGuy]

We have lived in a rural VA county for 18 years after retiring, me from the Army, my wife from teaching. When we arrived here and built our house, we looked for volunteer opportunities. I met a guy who recruited me into the local volunteer rescue squad, first driving an ambulance, then as an assistant to the EMTs, then EMT, and finally I earned Paramedic certification.

I have been captain of the squad for past 5 years. Last week I responded to five rescue calls, all after midnight, three with serious injuries from falls, a heart attack that went from mild to big time, and a stroke. I was absolutely physically and mentally exhausted. The last two patients, after we got them on the stretcher, we had to roll them across a wooden deck, down rickety stairs, across uneven lawn and gravel driveway to the ambulance . . . I was on one end of the stretcher praying that I would not drop the patient.

I'll be 80 in December. I have neuropathy in one leg and spinal stenosis. I cannot do this any longer. Today, I met with the squad leadership -- 1LT, 2LT, Pres, VP -- and announced that I am retiring today. I will monitor the radio and help when I can but I will answer no more calls. I'll conduct training, order supplies, wash the ambulances, but the time has come . . . .

And that, folks, is the same decision Joe Biden made. He was right. And he was brave.

Anyone who claims that he's seething and angry needs to STFD and STFU and hope that you have his courage when your time comes. And it will.