Grip of grace

Dear Editor,

In the grip of grace. Many of us have heard terms or phrases similar to this. But what does this mean? Grace, what a word, it can take on many forms. I believe it has many different forms and each of us must apply it to our own individual lives. As the holidays approach us and we reflect the upon everything that has been bestowed upon us. I myself have to ask the question what have I done, to deserve such abundance of grace. I'm nothing special I'm just a regular person. As I sit here in search for the words and methods to write this article to ensure the things that I wish to transmit to you are said to in the best of my ability. My name is Daniel Petty, many of you know me from running for one of the City Council positions many of you know me through the activities that I am involved with, through the church and the youth groups through our city and community.

Today I wish to speak to you about our fire department and its many volunteers. As you all know, Sept. 30, I was involved in an accident on my property north town. A horse reared up, striking me in the head, resulting in me becoming paralyzed. I laid therefore approximately 11/2 hours before my wife found me and call our rescue service. Within minutes the rescue workers were at my side.

Through all the dirt and horse manure as my vital signs were diminishing, they worked in diligently to stabilize me. Without knowing the extent of my injuries, they worked to protect me as professionally as one could ever ask.

Sometimes to say the word's thank you just doesn't seem to be enough. Because, if not for their speed, their knowledge, the sheer professionalism in which they performed upon that day I would not be here to write this to you on this day. What I'm trying to relate to you to today, is that as a city and community we should be very proud to to have such men serving us in the manner that these men do. It doesn't matter the time of day or the time of night that the need might arise these men unselfishly arise to the need. If I may, ex specially in the holiday season's when we think about all that God has graced us with, when you see these men reach out to shake their hands and let them know just how much we appreciate them and all what they do.

For I myself cannot find the just words of gratification to express my appreciation for all that they are. If not for the professional manner in which they handled me I would not be walking and on a complete recovery is not for them. And in closing I wish to thank you once again for everything.

Daniel R. Petty

McCook