August 18, 1999

I remember Station 51's glory days. The Phantom ran wild, and everyone's foremost concern was finding the best way to keep Johnny Gage out of the hospital. Okay, there was more to it than that, but that's the way I think of it.

I was young at the time, and didn't see the station much, but I remember the stories. I heard them at home all the time. I may not have always understood, but I listened. And I remember them now.

I work there now, as the 70's have become the 90's, and I'm no longer a child. I've grown up, and become a paramedic. I think I knew I wanted to be a paramedic before I could even pronounce the word. It makes perfect sense to me now. I idolized my father, and he was a paramedic. Did I miss out on my true calling because of the "I want to be just like my daddy" phase? I don't think so. I think I am in my true calling. Must run in the family.

At least we have a bit more liberty now. The doctors trust us, unlike the situation was back in the early days of the program. Then, they had to get express physician's consent for everything. It was unbelievable. At least now, we can say, "Hey, I'm starting an IV" and be done with the matter. Thank God, is all I can say; it sure saves time. And stress, for that matter.

Our captain is a great man. I've always admired him, almost as much as I did (or, rather, do) my father. He's incredible--and beyond resilient. He was like a second father to me all those years I was growing up. He still is.

I work with a great team. They're not Chet Kelly, Marco Lopez, or Mike Stoker, but they're still great. I love them all. And our mascot may not be Henry (I loved that dog!), but he's still a cutie and loyal as ever. Okay, I may not have everything Daddy had, but I've got a lot. I love what I've got, and it's those little differences that make it great. The station may be bigger now, but I still believe the crew they had back then was the finest ever assembled. Of course, I'm probably just a little bit prejudiced. The crew we have now might just make it too, given time. We're still creating our legacy.

I don't know why I've grown so introspective lately. Maybe it's the time of year; I don't know. I doubt it's something I need to worry about. Actually, I'm surprised we haven't been called out again while I've been writing. It's a busy time of the day, that "Third Watch" kind of time. I love that show. Hey, they had "Adam-12".

My partner, Liz, is a great gal. I love her to death; she's the sister I never had. We're the only female paramedics on this shift, so we have our fun. The guys are awesome, the only time they insist on pointing out that Liz and I are women is when it comes to things like changing clothes. Not that they'd mind such an activity happening with us all in the same room--as long as we were doing the changing!

Captain John Gage. Twenty years, and I think he's still getting used to it. But that's Johnny for you. Our "brave and fearless leader". (Don't ask--it's a long and complicated joke.) I think he's still thrilled just to be back at 51, even though it's been 3 years since Captain Stanley retired.

I still can't shake the feeling that something's gonna call us away at any moment; I'd better quit while I'm ahead. Los Angeles will need our services soon. I'd bet on it.

The past is the past, and the future is...well, now. I like now, and I'm not going to spend my days longing for the "old days". But what I wouldn't give for a good water bomb incident! *Grin*. Ah, the ever-thrilling thoughts of Jennifer Lynn DeSoto. I knew there was a reason I needed to start a diary! :)

'Til tomorrow,

Jen

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"This used to be my playground

This used to be my childhood dream

This used to be the place I ran to

Whenever I was in need of a friend

Why did it have to end?

...Don't hold on to the past.

Well, that's too much to ask."

(from "This Used To Be My Playground", sung by Madonna)

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