This is an I-Heart podcast.

Guaranteed Human.

And we continue with our American stories.

And up next, we have a feature from one of our regular contributors, Stephen

Resiniac. This piece is entitled, He Ain't Heavy, Father, He's My Brother. For more information

on this story and its backstory, visit stepheniac.com. Here's Stephen.

I Here's Stephen.

I had this momentary flashback, and I remembered how I used to feel.

Back in the day, dispatched to a life-threatening emergency, lights and sirens, a code three response, and not knowing what I might find.

I felt anxious, worried, and wondering what circumstances awaited my arrival, all the while

aware that my life could be in danger.

But still, I continued. It was my job. After all,

I was a police officer. It was like that this time, too, except I was no longer on the force.

There were no lights and sirens, but still, I was probably driving too fast and not knowing what I might find.

I felt anxious, worried, and wondering what circumstances awaited my arrival, all the while aware that my life could be in danger.

But still, I continued.

It was my job.

After all, I was his brother.

I can't begin to imagine how he must have felt.

But if the comparison is accurate, then I kind of have an idea.

I remember the fever and chills, the coughing and congestion, the runny nose and fatigue,

and of just wanting to crawl under the covers, pass out, and not wake up again until my

...