All my life, (that I can remember), my dad has been a firefighter. My mom, sister and I have countless memories of visiting him at "the station". He'd go to work in the morning to work a 24 hr shift and by evening many a time we would hop in the car and drive down to visit him. We've sat on the firetrucks and he'd turn on the emergency lights or honk the horn. And as I have grown up, I have been able to bring my kids down to see "the station" and sit on the trucks.
One of my favorite memories growing up was when one of our cats brought a rat into our house, a live rat! My dad happened to be at work that day. My mom called him and along came my dad with about 3 other guys to the rescue on the big, red, firetruck! My mom, sister and I stayed upstairs while the heroes took tennis racquets and smashed the poor rat on our hearth!
Well, my dad now has a lot more free time on his hands as he has just retired after 33 plus years as a lieutenant firefighter! While I am so joyful for him to be retired, I am surprised at how emotional it is for me. My mom asked if it was because it makes me think of my dad getting older. That did not even cross my mind. If you know my dad, he is far from old! It is just that he has always been a firefighter and we could always go to "the station" and it is just the thought of not having those times anymore or just that it is all I have known and maybe the end of making more memories at "the station". I am really not sure. Don't get me wrong, I am so glad he is retired. It is probably like the emotions of moving from a house that you grew up in all your life. Seeing dad in his uniform and leaving for work or coming home the next morning is a normal everyday memory, but it is special. Or calling the station, before dad kept his cell phone on at work, and hearing him say, "Renton Fire Department, station 12, Lieutenant Dykes speaking", or something like that. You get my point.
Thank you, dad, for working so hard all my life for us when we lived at home and always for mom. I have always been so proud of my dad, the firefighter. But really that was just a small part of the most wonderful dad that you are! I love you!
On a funny note: Our cat brought in a live mouse today and Toby was at work. I called him and he came as soon as he could in his work truck and was my hero! It is funny how certain moments can repeat themselves and create new memories for your kids. Although, this scene did not require any tennis racquets!
Check out my Sister's blog for some pictures!
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