My Workout
Tonight I opted to "get out of town" for my run. I wanted a change of scenery. Since I was running for Paramedic Garry Hammer, a man who loved the outdoors, as well as animals, I thought this would be the perfect night to begin running in the country. It's pretty incredible to run in the middle of nowhere...no houses, no cars, no people, no noise. Just me, my thoughts and the wildlife.
I completed my three miles with an average of 11:15MM, but it was what happened during my run that made this night so special. When I first started, I prayed I would see some deer. Paramedic Hammer was a hunter; he loved it, and I'll share more about that below. My dad was also an avid hunter, especially deer. After he passed, my family and I adopted the idea that when a deer or deer randomly show(s) up, that's a sign that Dad is thinking of us or sending us support or love or whatever we may need at the time. I have story after story of times when I was about to fall apart and a deer would cross in front of me. It was as if my dad was patting me on the shoulder, saying, "Pick your head up...you can do this. I've got your back." So, my desire to see a deer tonight was more than just enjoying nature, it was personal, too.
As I finished 2.5 miles without seeing a deer or even a trace of one, I started to get a little disappointed. But just that quick, a buck crossed right in front of me. I couldn't have planned it better. I watched him move to the edge of the corn field, where I noticed there were two more, a doe and what looked like a fawn or yearling. It was so PERFECT. The buck just watched me. I continued to run with a huge grin and he just stared. After a few seconds, he high-tailed it to the back of the field w/ the two others. Yes, I became emotional and had to stop for a couple seconds to wipe my eyes. It's funny how the little things always have the most meaning. I'm sure Paramedic Hammer was watching over me tonight. And I'd like to think maybe Dad was standing somewhere up there with him, too.
Paramedic Gerald "Garry" Hammer, La Grange County EMS (LODD-1/31/14)
Tonight's run was dedicated to Paramedic Gerald "Garry" Hammer. Since part of my job includes responding to LODDs (Line of Duty Deaths) in both Indiana and Kentucky, I was blessed to meet and spend time with the Hammer family. I instantly felt close to them. I think we share similar backgrounds and definitely a similar sense of humor! But what stood out to me most was the love and compassion they shared with each other and toward others. This is one of the closest families I have ever met; they have amazing hearts. They welcomed me into their lives and allowed me to walk with them in their painful journey. They comforted me as I cried with them and made sure to share a few laughs with me, as well...sometimes at my expense! :) I have no doubt that Garry helped encourage this kind of compassion in his children. And while I wish we could have met for a different reason, I am so proud to call all of them my friends. Running for Garry was an honor tonight. I look forward to running for him in May, as well!
Paramedic Hammer was indeed a dedicated man of public safety. He was a Critical Care Paramedic with LaGrange, Noble and DeKalb Co. EMS for 39 years. He also worked as a Deputy Coroner with LaGrange and Noble Co for approximately 10 years. He was a SWAT Medic for Noble and LaGrange Counties for approximately 10 years, a Primary Instructor for EMS for almost 30 years and on the District #3 Task Force for Home Land Security serving with the Search and Rescue Dogs. Garry served on the EMS Education Board for the State of Indiana and on the Critical Incident Debriefing Team. To say he loved to serve would be an understatement.
It is easy to see that public safety was a large part of his life, especially EMS. He would do anything necessary to ensure that others were cared for in the best way possible. He loved to teach and share his great knowledge of medicine. Some of his students have commented that his his teaching style differed from a typical classroom setting, but regardless, it was effective. Those same students learned a great deal from him. Almost anyone who participated in one of his classes would comment that his "was the best class yet" and they had "never learned so much". Garry had many gifts, but one of those was most obviously sharing his knowledge with others, helping them to be as thorough and successful as he was in EMS.
While EMS was certainly important to him, he had another passion. He loved to hunt deer. His son Jeremy shared a very special story and memory with me:
"He had never been hunting before, so I offered to take him with me. That one time was all it took; he was fascinated. I remember a little 5 point buck standing 5 feet from him, no clue that Dad was there. It was awesome to see his reaction. I knew instantly he was hooked. I loved being able to share that with him. It is a memory I will always cherish."
Besides hunting, Paramedic Hammer loved his dogs. He and his wife Pam began training them in 2010. Garry was the handler for dogs that performed search work in human remains detection. His dogs took up a lot of his "extra" time, but he enjoyed every minute with them. They were like his kids. As I looked at pictures of him and his dogs, it was easy to see the strong relationship the shared.
Sadly, Paramedic Hammer suffered a fatal heart attack on January 31, 2014 just minutes after arriving home from a 12-hour overnight shift. He had made emergency responses during his tour of duty, including a 55-minute emergency transport from LaGrange to Fort Wayne. He has touched the lives of so many in his short time here with us. Without a doubt, he will be missed.
Garry, you sure are missed, but I'm certain you are watching over your family and fellow colleagues, proudly smiling at all of their accomplishments.
Very nice dedication, Lanett.
ReplyDeleteThank you, K. I appreciate you following and reading. :) It's been awhile since I visited your blog, so I did today. Your writing is always so full of passion and sincere...keep up the good work!
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