By
Richard Janka, PsyD 911 Training Institute
After two straight weeks of 90-degree temperatures and 1000% humidity, I desperately needed a break from Michigan. The last of those two weeks was spent sleeping on the ground in a tent while at scout camp with my son. So, after one night in my own bed, I boarded a plan to my oasis from Michigan…Florida.
Since I had been out of the office so long, I was cramming as much as I could into the morning before my flight. In my typical ADHD fashion (yes, I have ADHD), I lost track of time. After few prompts from my wife, I finally noticed the urgency in her words. So, there I am, coming in hot and hoping there’s no line for Clear. Luckily, I got through and made it to the gate with six minutes to spare.
The flight was not smooth at all. In fact, perhaps one the bumpiest flights I’ve had. At one point I thought, “I guess this is it. This is how I leave the world”. Then I thought “But wait, the Lions haven’t won the Super Bowl yet. I’m pretty sure God told me I could see that before I die. So, I’ll probably pull through”.
When I got off the plane, I immediately felt the heat and humidity. I thought the most logical conclusion was that turbulence was actually some type of dimensional rift, that took me back to Michigan…then I saw a palm tree.
You might be thinking, “I thought this was supposed to be a blog about NENA, not a dramatized narrative of some shrink on a plane”. Well, bear with me. Remember, I said I was looking forward to this trip as a sort of “Oasis”. Not just from the weather either. I was looking for some time to relax and destress. Up to this point, there was no break from the weather or the stress. However, that all changed as soon as Jim and Ryan picked me up at the airport. Our team isn’t able to meet in person very often. When we do, there is an energy. Like the alien ship in Independence Day that turned on when the mother ship arrived. Thankfully, that’s the only similarity with my experience and that movie. Although, Jim…Bill Pullman and Ryan…Jeff Goldblum? Just sayin'.
The three of us shared an Airbnb. We were able to eat together, talk shop, talk life, and just have fun. Throughout the week, I attended many sessions, and met some amazing folks at the National NENA Conference. It was very refreshing to spend so much time with people who love their jobs and are proud of their service. I am always amazed to see how diverse, passionate, and invested the 9-1-1 community is. More than once throughout the week, I stopped to acknowledge how thankful I am to be called to serve the 9-1-1 community.
Even with the heat and humidity, NENA was still the oasis I needed. I spent time with old friends, made some new friends, looked to the future, and relaxed in the present. At 911TI, we have some amazing things on the horizon. I am honored to be sharing those things with you over the next few months.