I think it's extremely important to give to others, especially to those who can't protect themselves, can't care for themselves, are hurting, or don't have a voice to be able share their lives. And when I mean giving, I don't mean by just dropping a check off in the mail. I mean spending time with these individuals on one to one basis. Relationship is more important than money.
About a week before Christmas we took the fire trucks to a home for the mentally handicapped. We were supposed to go the week before but we were rained out on the day we had scheduled. Apparently, they were very upset that we couldn't come and so we rescheduled for Tuesday night. One of our firefighters dresses up as Santa and we bring two of our trucks in with lights and sirens. We then let them have at it with the trucks. They honk the horns, blare the sirens, and talk to each other with our intercom systems, play with the lights and they get to talk to a bunch of firefighters. While there are some low functioning adults there are also some very high functioning adults that live in this home. And they all love it when we bring the trucks over for Christmas.
As I stood around a watched each of the patients interact with one another and with the other firefighters, I noticed how so many of them look so normal on the outside and yet something has happened on the inside that has caused them to not be able to lead a normal life. It's heartbreaking really. And what did these families have to go through, what did they endure, what kind of heartbreak did they experience when they had to let their loved one go live in a facility that could handle their needs? It's a very sad situation.
However, I am also reminded of how much joy there is in the little things. To stop every once in a while and hit the siren or the horn just for fun. I love the lights and sirens but I think I have taken them for granted. I also love my bunker gear, but watching them try it on just made me beam with pride. I was so happy to share my happiness with someone else
Every year that we attend, I am reminded once again that not everything is as it appears to be, and to find great fun in the little things, and to enjoy each other immensely. Maybe that should be my motto for 2008? What will your motto be for 2008? Will you find more joy, spend more time with your loved ones, stop and take a deep breath every once in a while?
