It made my day...

This week we were on an "I'm-going-to-go-crazy-if-I-don't-get-out-of-here-quick" walk, when we happened to walk by the local fire station with all it's apparatus out in full glory in the driveway.  I say "full glory" because if you are a six-year-old, a four-year-old, or a 17-month-old, the angels  begin singing when you spot this sort of sight on a run-of-the-mill walk.  The engine had it's cab up in the air and they were testing the lights and sirens; similarly the ambulance was out of the bay and getting inspected.  My kids were in awe.  We were really content just to watch them go through their paces, and were about to walk on when one of the firefighters came over and said these blessed words: "Do you want to look inside the fire engine?"

My kids were in awe.  This guy was awesome.  He got down on the kids' level and explained stuff.  He let them hold a nozzle for the hose.  He lifted them into the cab of the engine.  He was patient, and kind, and I almost wanted to kiss him for how he was treating my kids like adults, but sharing with them in a way they would understand.  To clarify: I almost wanted to kiss him but I'm married so I don't do that sort of thing, and he kept calling me m'am.  Never kiss a man who calls you m'am.  And, as my husband repeatedly points out: No PDAs (public displays of affection) in uniform.

So instead, this young firefighter (who really prefers the paramedic part of his job, FYI) has earned my undying respect and my wishful thinking that I could bake a batch of cookies for him and his station-mates, and have them actually eat them and not throw them away for fear of food poisoning.

Remember how I said he was patient and kind?  It really showed when my son commented "I've been inside of a paramedic before!" and the helpful medic, well.... he was a little speechless.  It was cute.  And what a great opportunity to discuss the difference between a paramedic and an ambulance!  :)

Thank you, Mr. Firefighter Medic.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you.