Holiday recipes are for the purpose of creating something tasty to eat! Most families experience these traditions and joys every year. For some people, these same holidays can be a recipe for painful circumstances. In the emergency responder world, this is basically expected each year. 

This year was no different as Christmas afternoon was interrupted by a suicide. As soon as my work phone rang and I saw dispatch’s number on the screen, I knew this meant I would be leaving my family’s celebration to go to work. The dispatcher clarified what the situation was that necessitated a chaplain response. 

Upon becoming involved in such a traumatic event, my heart sank as it typically does, while at the same time I envisioned what family members were going through or soon would be. 

I was initially dispatched to assist with the notification, but while still in route to that location, I was redirected to the scene itself as the family member had shown up there. I consoled that individual shared some thoughts related to informing children, and reassured her that we would be providing ongoing support. 

At that point, an officer and I were sent to make notification to family members. As we approached the door, I took the lead as this was more in my realm.  The individual we were looking for answered the door, learned who we were, stepped onto the porch, and informed us that he was aware of what had happened.  We shared our condolences, offered to answer any needed questions both then and in the near future, I hugged him, and we departed. 

As we walked back to our work vehicles, it was hard not to have the proverbial lump in my throat. I felt empathetic sorrow for the citizen’s immediate crisis and because this family’s future Christmas gatherings would never be the same again. Their new normal that would come in the future would be for a reason that no family ever wants to experience.