Burke DeGroff was the first person to reach my family's car after the crash, he saw everything. I wanted to talk with him for a long time, but I was really scared. I tell people to lean into their grief, not run from it, and this conversation was my chance to practice what I preach.

It was just as hard as I expected, but I didn't realize how much of a hero Burke and first responders were that day. In the middle of so much horror, there was still beauty, bravery, and humanity.

If it weren't for Burke, my whole family would have died. Blue would have been burned alive. It felt good to tell Burke thank you, give him a hug and have him shake Blues hand again. THANK YOU