after a day of remembering and honoring
those who were
lost, helped, survived, changed forever
a calming evening walk in the park
brought soft pastel skies
trees full of life
if you look very closely
you’ll see
a survival flight helicopter
where every minute matters
on it’s way
to rescue
move someone
pick up or deliver something
that will save a life
when i hear one or see one
in the sky above me
i know they literally
hold lives in their hands
the weight of this
heavy
yet fragile
hope is in the air.
—
‘part of my life is saving life.’
-dith pran
*Dith Pran (1942-2008) was a Cambodian-American photojournalist for the New York Times. He was a refugee and survivor of the Cambodian genocide and one of the subjects of the Academy Award – winning film ‘The Killing Fields,’ in which he was portrayed by Haing S. Ngor, a fellow survivor.
*Frederick Buechner (1926-2022) was an American writer and theologian. The author of thirty-nine published books, he has been and continues to be an important source of inspiration and learning for many readers, writers, preachers, and theologians. His work encompasses multiple genres, including fiction, autobiography, essays, sermons, and other nonfiction. Buechner’s books have been translated into twenty-seven languages for publication around the world.
—
beckley park, ann arbor, michigan, usa – late summer 2026
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nice you had a nice walk in the park, glad you enjoyed it! xo
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thanks –
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It is good to remember the everyday heroes.
We see those helicopters often.
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<3
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Ah … “The art of survival is to have a good helper.”
— Ivor
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thanks, ivor
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Wherever hope is found is a blessed place.
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yes
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Beth, this is a lovely tribute. Hugs. 🤗
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thanks so much
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Living on the coast, our local heros are the life guards, helicopter crews and the brave folk that man the lifeboats often in stormy seas.
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oh, yes, i can imagine –
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It is comforting to have these thoughts – for me, it’s when traffic comes to a temporary stop to let an emergency vehicle pass by. Lots of good people saving others, all around us. 🙏
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yes, i do think about it then as well. as a commuter for many years, i’ve seen this too many times, but happy they are there to help
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Love this calming evening walk picture – thanks for taking us along! Beautiful!
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That is a profound and beautiful poem, and we need to remember and honor those who save lives.
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<3
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A lovely and serene scene, beth. I have the deepest respect for those who save lives.
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❤️
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☮️
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Everyday, lives are saved by amazing people, who go nameless and never make the front page, where death and hatred rule. Those who help others, save lives, and give so much of their own, need to be celebrated. This is a wonderful reminder to all of us.
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This is so beautifully said, Gigi. And you are exactly right.
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“hope is in the air”
What a beautiful concluding message.
Thank you so much, Beth. 💝
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Thanks so much, Vicki
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❤️❤️❤️
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Beautifully said, Beth. Yes, hope.
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Beautiful thoughts and image.
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❤️
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I echo your thoughts of gratitude for all the life-savers out there. Lovely thoughts and beautiful image.
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❤️
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Our police and first responders do not get enough credit for what they do. They suffer secondary trauma, as well, from the horrible things they witness on a daily basis. They need our support!
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absolutely
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Your feelings for the rescue helicopter…I can very well relate to it Beth, my hubby is one. I got to know about Dith Pran… The world sure needs people who save lives… as Buechner said…
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absolutely and you know firsthand
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