"Semper Paratus" (Always Prepared) - Fire Truck

This First Responder tribute painting has a bit of a back story. 

On  September 26, 2020, my husband needed to be rushed to the hospital. 

We didn't know why, but he was in excruciating pain. I couldn't get him into our car to take him to the hospital. We were both terrified what him going to the hospital would mean as he would be alone. The Covid 19 pandemic made it so family could not be with loved ones in the hospital. 

(See black & white photo below). I took this picture as my husband was being put into the back of an ambulance because I didn't know when I would see him again. He would ride in the ambulance alone, and be in the hospital alone. I waited 5 hours in the parking lot of the hospital that night. My husband had an emergency appendectomy and kidney stone. Due to Covid, they sent him home less than 8 hours after that ambulance ride. The black & white photo below sums up so much for me. The medical staff and ambulance are a light of hope in the darkness. The love of my life for over 30yrs being taken away from me. Both of us separated from each other, and being scared of what going into the hospital would mean. Not only were we scared of his pain, but scared that he would contract the virus while being treated in the hospital. So many have been separated from their loved ones during this year, and have felt as I did then. When would I see my loved one again? Are they alright? Will the virus seize them too?

My husband needed to have emergency surgery that night for an appendicitis and 8mm kidney stone. Thank you SO MUCH to the first responders, doctors, nurses, and staff that were there when we needed you most.

My photo went along to win Honorable Mention in the international Monochrome Photograph Awards. 

After this ordeal, I wanted to say thank you to the first responders. A dear friend of mine arranged for me to photograph through Fire Station 22 in Austin. I titled this painting Semper Paratus, which means Always Ready. First responders put their lives on the line daily for us. They are the heroes when we have an emergency. I am incredibly thankful for those that helped us that September evening. 

This painting is available through Artist (shan@shanfannin.com). A Letter of Authenticity and soft portfolio book are included with purchase.