Helipcopters

I hear helicopters several times a day. I heard one this evening as I came out of a meeting near downtown. They are the helicopters that bring patients to the hospitals here in town. It is hard to miss the sound. It soars over the other sounds and echoes off the buildings. When they land at the hospital near where I live their flight pattern takes them right over the top of my apartment. They are a reminder of the fragility of life and the great lengths we go to save it.

I think I first became truly aware of the medical helicopters 12 or so years ago back in Wisconsin. One day I was sitting on our front porch and the UW medical chopper went over the house heading from our local hospital to Madison. About ten minutes later we got a phone call that one of our teenagers was in the chopper after an accident. About a year later we were called to the hospital for another teenager with a life-threatening illness. We stood with the family as they gave the okay to fly their son to Madison. Later, as we left our house heading for Madison the helicopter went over and this time we knew who was on it and why.

At those times I realized very powerfully and personally that whenever the helicopters fly it is not good news. Someone is in grave danger. Fortunately for the two teenagers I knew they were treated and discharged a time later, healthy and happy. Such is not always the case. Every helicopter is carrying someone who is personal and important to other someones. Every medical chopper is also carrying medical staff working hard to keep the person alive so they can be treated.

When today I hear the helicopters I say a silent prayer for God's Spirit to be there in whatever ways are needed. When I see some of the pilots or crew sitting down for lunch in the hospital cafeteria I say Thank You to God for their presence. Life is a precious thing- so easily lost. I am glad there are these people (and many others) who work hard to keep it.