Those people who give up things to put back much more then they were given. To take only the pride of knowing one has made a difference in life. Those people are the volunteers. The people who serve and save and never give up or complain about doing it all for free. Volunteering is something that runs through a very select few. Though, those few are even narrowed more when you are dealing with the small group who lay themselves on the line. Many people out there who work day by day, do so for money. These people go on about life hating work and it’s outcome. Getting out of bed becomes conquering all, and just surving seems like the challenge of a lifetime. However, for some unknown reason, which cannot be explained or perceived but other then those themselves, these volunteers continue to do it all for free. My Grandfather, Thomas Conway, excelled in making everyone believe that his ‘work’ was essential to his life on earth. As if life as we know it would cease had his contribution never have been brought forth. He made us realize our destiny is dictated and our role is set in stone. We must give before ever receiving. Is it ‘work’ if you are a volunteer or is it much more than that? I remember the day my grandfather was retired, beyond his desire. They honored him after so many years of service and would have been proud to see him go home, proud, fulfilled and earned. But, why stop giving if you’re still able to give more. That is what he did. Why lay dormant, when you still feel attached? Why sit at home when you could be out guiding people who need help when they forget how precious life could really be? These people who volunteer are miraculously able to react during the worst of times and give comfort when others simply cannot. My Grandfather lived a lifestyle of the unique. The unique who do not question giving things up. Who deal with themselves last and help everyone else first. Instead of being the person in the who says, ‘Wow, I wish I was there…’, he was the one telling the battle stories. If I could merely be alive for the next fifty-seven years I would feel as if I was blessed. However, if I could give for the next fifty-seven years, then maybe someday I could be a hero too. My grandfather was a hero, and he died doing what he did best. Giving Back. Sincerely, Officer James David Conway Patrolman – City of Wilmington, North Carolina