Timing was definitely not planned by any one of us in these pictures! The night was amazing and then it became unbelievable and even more unbelievable!
Last night, Sophina and I brought warm cookies (made by Catherineđ„č) and âLife Coinsâ to the Glenwood Fire Department firefighters! We were greeted by two friendly firefighters, Eric and Hayden who were preparing the meal- burgers, brats, salad and chips! As the other firefighters came we got to meet them and give them a warm cookie. Sophina and firefighter Matt became instant friends đ
We all got our food and went to the upstairs meeting room. After we were all done, Sophina and I got to share our story, the story of the Life Coins, the mental health toll thatâs happening for our first responders. Then Sophina gave them another tool to give them help when itâs needed- their own âLife Coinâ as sheâd speak to each of them individually.
These lifelines for their pockets came from the same anonymous giver as last week. The giver completely believes in the need of coming alongside our First Responders and in Sophinaâs Birthday Wish. The anonymous giver had donated $500 and weâd given part of that gift of coins to the first responders of Shield 616 last week. There were exactly 28 âLife Coinsâ for the Glenwood Firefighters last night. AMAZING.
Sophina finished and we all went downstairs to get a picture with the firefighters in front of one of their fire trucks. It was so much fun! Sophina was in the front seat having the time of her life! Then, Sophina got to choose some firefighters to go on a fire truck ride with. It was one firefighterâs first ride in the truck!!! Welcome to Glenwood Fire Department! They came back shortly and as I was speaking with a firefighter who was telling me about Glenwoodâs beauty, I heard a commotion behind me! My mouth dropped!
Sophina was hugging Dan Owen! There was Deb and two of their grandchildren as well! We couldnât believe it! Weâd let them know that weâd be there giving our cookies and coins. Questions had been asked back and forth but I never thought theyâd surprise us. Sophina was in heaven!!! Sheâd just about been ready for a second ride in the fire truck when the Glenwood firefighters said that she should take Dan, Deb, Mia and Peyton with instead! Sophina made sure Firefighter Matt was also included! It was their first ride in a fire truck and Sophina was absolutely beside herself with JOY! Could the night get any more special?!?! Yes, yes it could!
Miaâs dad came into the bay as we were finishing getting pictures with the firefighters and the family. We got some pictures and suddenly Sophina was runningâŠright into the arms of Matt Owen! I wish I couldâve had it recorded because it was priceless! SO, we added one more to the group pictures! The question was asked to Matt⊠âHave YOU ever ridden in a fire truck?â SOâŠride three happened and this time I got to ride with. This ride, Fire Chief Bruce asked Firefighter Hayden to drive us all to the lookout! WOW!!! We each got out to see the beauty!!! We then went back to the department and hung out for a bit again before the family had to leave. What a blessing that none of us will ever forget!
Sophina and I stayed with the firefighters that were still there as we learned about their lives, the city of Glenwood and their department. It was a blessing of a night that reminded us once again how selfless and incredible First Responders and their families are!