Going With Her Will Be Her 'Rainbow'

Last year, The Ulysses News started a Responder of the Week program with Responders being named then being eligible to be named as Responder of the Year.

It is a program very near, and dear to my heart for a few reasons. One of which is I spent 10 years working close up with first responders as a dispatcher and detention officer in law enforcement. I witnessed some of the things they went through - actually lived some of it.

Why is it important?

One only has to look back at such things as the wildfires which happened in May to know why. Thousands upon thousands of acres were lost. A few homes. Some livestock.

But, it could have been much worse, if not for first responders.

My cousin's husband Tom Billings, from Southeast Colorado was one of those who responded when the call came. I say was, because he lost his life serving his community.

Tom was en-route to wildfires near Campo, Colo., when there was an accident with the water tanker he was driving. He was life flighted to Colorado Springs for treatment of his injuries.

He succumbed to those injuries last week.

Tom left his home when the call came like so many other responders will do. Without hesitation, thinking only of the job before him and the community that needed his help.

Responders, many of whom never get paid for being there as they are volunteers, are not alone in the sacrifices they make. Many of them have the support of their families who wait for their return, or who may be doing what they can to help as well.

One of Tom's biggest supporters was his partner, his wife of 48 years - my cousin, Cheryl. My heart broke watching as she said a final goodbye to the love of her life, Tom.

I've never told her before, but I have always respected and admired her. Cheryl is the epitome of strength. She has a servant's heart. A smile that lights up a room and is one of the hardest working people I know. 

Her faith is strong and it has sustained her through several trials. Like many of us, she has had more than her share of loss, including a brother, Charles, in 2003; a twin brother, Darrel, in an automobile accident in 2009; a son, Travis, in October 2025; and now, Tom.

Her and I share something similar, no one should have to experience. I lost my husband and then a daughter. She lost a son and then her husband.

My grandmother always said there is a rainbow in every storm - sometimes you just have to look a little harder.

When I arrived at Tom's service I was struck by the same "rainbow" as I was at their son, Travis' service.

The rainbow was in the high school gym packed with people there to pay their respects and to show support for Cheryl and her family. Both Travis and Tom had that in their services.

As I looked around I remembered the packed church the day I told my daughter, Amanda, good bye. The many who came when I said goodbye to my Michael even though the scare of COVID still hung in the air.

What a testament to lives well lived. A showing of support for who they were, and the loss many felt in their going. A beautiful, yet heartbreaking rainbow.

Travis was also a first responder.

As residents of a rural community, most of the town is made up of first responders. They do what they have to for their homes.

And that is why I believe they should hear "thank you" more often. They should get that handshake. That hug. Let them know how much their efforts are appreciated.  That goes for those who wait at home for their return - they are responders, too.

If there is one absolute truth we all learn, it is life just isn't fair and sometimes it's down right unbearable. It can be difficult to see a "rainbow".

There are good times, good fortune, bad times and misfortune.

We just have to remember through it all, we have each other. 

Be present. Give of yourself.

Like one of the strongest people I know - who I'm proud to call family - Cheryl.  One of those precious individuals who has always been there for so many.

The walk ahead will be difficult for her, but going with her will be her "rainbow".

If you see a responder, or their family, say thank you! You never know when they will be making the ultimate sacrifice for you.