For the 30 years I served as a firefighter in Southern California, my life had real purpose. That came to an abrupt end when I was forced to retire early. Years of being jolted awake and thrust into dangerous situations, making life-or-death decisions in an instant, over-exertion and strain, the emotional weight of tragic outcomes—occupational hazards took a toll on the body. In my case, coronary artery disease ended my career.
In retirement, I felt at loose ends, with little to do but watch TV. I sat in front of it one late summer morning in 2002. The airwaves were still dominated by news of the September 11 attacks almost a year earlier. My wife, Wendy, brought me a cup of coffee and sat down to listen to the reporter standing in front of
