Today on my way to my Open House I was surprised to see a house fire right outside the neighborhood of my listing. I had to pull over and snap a picture. As much as I felt like a ghoul for doing it, I tend to feel an emotion and reach for my camera so I can help someone else feel it, too. (I think Real Estate Shows have really gotten into how I think. I have to have pictures of everything!)
I sat there in the quiet Open House and wondered about the family that just lost everything. I worried about where they'd go, whether they'd have enough clothes for the next few days, or money to go through a drive through for dinner. I wondered about their pets. I worried that they had kids that just lost every toy they ever owned. I wondered what they were going to do tonight, or tomorrow.
On my way out of the neighborhood, I asked one of the firemen how I could help the family. To my utter relief, he told me this was a donated house, it was just a training fire. He was happy to tell me no one got hurt, it was OK. THANK GOD.
My drive home was a quick one, but I had time to reflect on all that our local firemen do for us. (And I had a little time to regret I didn't snap a picture of the polite fireman in his uniform!)
Our firemen are fabulous! I am in awe of anyone who will take a volunteer job that may mean he or she could lose their life to protect me, my family and my home.
But aside from protecting us, the firemen (and women!) here in Putnam County are really a part of our community. I have memories of preschool trips with my kids to meet the firemen. They teach the kids about fire safety, let them try on helmets and boots and help them climb up in the trucks. Kids naturally worship firemen, after this tour that hero worship is ten times stronger! I appreciate the time spent with the kids. If there's an emergency and firemen need to be there, my kids learned that they were nice people, and that they would do anything to help take care of them. I think this is almost as important as the fire safety lessons. (Almost!)
They also have a fun side. At Christmas, our local firemen bring Santa through our neighborhoods! Our big fire trucks have names, and Big John brings Santa by my house. The dogs and I are as excited as the kids when this happens! Yes, I run out on the porch in my jammies and wave to Santa. (All the Mommies out on their porches in their jammies could be part of why they do this, don't you think?)
Our firemen are our protectors. They care for us and our children. They put their lives on the line to keep us safe. They're also one of the fun things about living where I do!
Just wanted to send out a big cheer for our local firemen! Thank you for all you do for us!!
Dan - Not exactly "gone wild". "Gone Mild" maybe?
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