[Carl in Tampa]

A friend of mine in The Villages died last week. Just a few years ago he was a robust, athletic retiree who played tennis several times a week.

His health decline was fairly sudden and got worse quickly. He had to rely on a walker, and fell often; sometimes as often as three times a day. He could not rise on his own. EMS had to respond often.

My friend's wife got to know several of the Fire and Paramedic responders fairly well, as they came to he house to aid my friend, and occasionally transport him to the Emergency Room for treatment.

We were surprised, at my friend's funeral, to discover that several of the First Responders who had come to know my friend, were at the funeral. In fact there were representatives from our local Police, Fire/Paramedic, and EMS agencies at the funeral. It was a touching display of concern.