A time to give thanks

There is a Season for Everything...

To follow up my post "A time to remember", this is a time to give thanks! I dreaded coming up on the 1st anniversary of Chloe's accident. I know that might sound strange or silly but I did. I really thought that it would be a very difficult day for us...BUT GOD! God in His amazing foreknowlege and goodness allowed the 3rd to fall on Joel's day off. It was so good to be together on this day. We had talked about going back to the Kingsville Volunteer Fire Dept to say Thank You for all they did for us that day. So we got a basket, went to Target and filled it up with goodies, etc. We stuck the local newspaper article that was done on Chloe in there along with some photos and a thank you note and headed down to the Fire Dept. It was one of those things you don't "want" to do but you know you need to and it's the right thing to do. We explained where we were going to Chloe and she was on board with the gift basket for "the people who helped her when she was hurt".

When we walked up there was a gentleman sitting outside and we told him who we were, etc. He said he remembered the call for Chloe and invited us inside. After disappearing for a few minutes, he came back with a handful of other firemen and EMT guys. We told them who we were and why we had come. It didn't seem like they knew what to say or do. We were able to express our unending gratitude for all they had done for us and for Chloe that day. They were quick like lightning to our house and so kind and gentle in dealing with Chloe and with us. It felt SO good to say the words "Thank You" from the bottom of our hearts, we will never forget your sacrifice and service for us! Several of the guys who were there that day were there when we visited...we got to shake their hands, look them in the eye and thank them. They were so happy to see Chloe doing WELL and they even asked about Alex, how he was doing (since he wasn't able to come with us since he was at camp).

The Lieutenant mentioned to us that they were in the Kingsville parade the following day and invited us to ride with them in it. We said yes of course, the kids would love it! So the next day we showed up and hung around the guys/girls waiting for the start of the parade. They showed the kids the Fire Engine, inside and out. And even showed them the Ambulance...I must admit, that did make me cringe just a bit since it was most likey the ambulance that Chloe was taken care of in. But it passed and seeing Chloe look around in nothing but amazement helped me. I was able to talk some more with both Lieutenants about the accident. I guess it helped me alot to piece together the puzzle of that day in my mind, since I wasn't there til later. The one EMT guy was the one who actually was with Joel and Chloe in the house and Joel said what a help he was! These guys who are so "tough" were so shook up about what happened that they had some counselors called in to talk to the guys. It meant alot to know that these guys hurt for us and with us.

Come to find out, Chloe, Alex and I were sat in the Officer's seat in the Fire Engine!! Chloe was the Honorary Officer of the Parade and they even announced her from the bandstand as we passed by! It was pretty cool!! :) Chloe was waving like the Beauty Queen that she is to ALL the people...and if they didn't wave, she stuck her head out the window and said, "hey, that boy didn't wave to me!" Ha!! It was SOOO funny! What a day...I tell ya, who would have thought?? Only God could do these amazing things...I just wanted to share that with y'all cause it was so neat. God gives us hope and God brings glory to Himself and good to His kids out of ashes and out of darkness!

Alex and Chloe with their new friend in front of the Fire Engine...

In the Ambulance...

Hanging out...

Us sitting in the Officer's Seat INSIDE the Engine...

Chloe sitting in the driver's seat in the Tanker Engine...they gave the kids a tour of the Firehouse and of all the trucks/vehincles after the parade!