Until you've walked in the boots of a wildland firefighter, you have no idea of just how much they give of themselves physically and emotionally for very little pay or appreciation. In "Mendocino Hotshot Blues" I have tried to pass along a taste of what it's like.

I've seen the day turn to night as the smoke got so thick it blocked out the sun. I've seen the night turn to day as flames lit up the sky like the sun had just come back up. I've seen fear on men's faces as things got out of hand and they began to ponder the possibilities.

There are all kinds of blues in this world. Some you are born into, some

just happen, and others you create yourself. Firefighters chose to do what they do and must accept the consequences. We should all be very thankful that they have made that choice. This is my way of saying thanks.

- Patrick Ford