A Legacy of Firefighting and Family Memories

My mom’s dad, now in his late 70s, has dedicated his life to firefighting, starting his career at the young age of 19. For him, the firehouse is more than just a workplace; it's a brotherhood, a second family. He has always been my number one hero, having seen so much more than you can imagine. He was also in the army, adding to his legacy of service and bravery.

He got into firefighting because his uncles were a part of the firehouse. Back then, they had one engine, and the firehouse has definitely evolved throughout the years.

Growing up, the firehouse played a significant role in our family memories. Each of us has the same treasured photo: dressed in my grandfather's firefighting gear, sitting proudly in the driver seat of a fire truck. My favorite was always the ladder truck, with its towering presence and promise of adventure.

Back in the day, family members were even allowed to ride in the chief's car. Let me tell you, I felt so cool getting out of that car. My grandfather would drive on the wrong side of the road when it was safe, just to make me giggle. The adrenaline rush with the lights and sirens going was exhilarating, making my blood start to pump with excitement.

The firehouse has parties. Where all of them cook for each other, showcasing their culinary skills and strengthening their bonds. One of my favorite memories at the firehouse is, my cousin Julia's first birthday. My aunt, a police officer who has since retired after serving the state for many moons, was also there. I spilled my drink on my mom’s lap and ran away. My aunt chased me down, put me in handcuffs, and said I was under arrest for not being nice and not saying, "Sorry, Mommy." And man, let me tell you, the firehouse drama is the best.

My great grandmother used to have a life alert button, and the firefighters would come, especially one guy she thought was cute. The woman was bored and wanted a piece of eye candy. But that’s beside the point.

Firefighting is hard work. It's also a lot like relationships because sometimes when things get too hot, they explode. It is up to each person to put the fire out by spraying it with water.

Recently, my grandfather told my mom and I that he wants to get his gear back. At first, I thought, is this man losing his mind? But I had to step out of my own shoes and jump into his. I realized he wants full medal honors and will die doing what he loves most. My mom and her brother don’t want him to, and my moms philosophy it that he is in his late 70s, and wants to go out with a bang and take what he has earned. He is extremely prideful of being a part of the firehouse.

These experiences not only connected us to my grandfather’s legacy but also instilled a sense of pride and admiration for the bravery and dedication of firefighters. The firehouse became a symbol of strength, community, and the bonds that tie us together.

I mentioned before that I would get to my mom. First, I want to say she is not perfect. Everyone has flaws. But she is my rock. She has been through hell and back. She grew up with my grandparents being together and has a brother we'll call George. Her parents divorced when they were young. My grandmother moved six hours away from where they were living and bought this beautiful 1800s estate in a little town that was farmland, much different than what my mom was used to. She also now had a stepdad. Her story was not smooth sailing; she has had a lot of bumps in her road. She changed her story.

These little snippets of my life I have been reflecting on remind me that I have so many people around me who are in my corner. They have taught me to be brave and stand up for what is right. They taught me to be confident. They have taught me to love others for who they are with all their flaws, but still keep my guard up for people who are not on my side.

Have each other's back, even with all the chaos around you. Be true to yourself. Laugh at yourselves. Laugh with each other. Also, say sorry when you have done something wrong. Own up to your mistakes. Put yourself in one another’s shoes. Have grace with one another. We all have a different story and baggage that comes along. I have been following Kaitlin Reagan on TikTok for a while now. She has taught me a lot. She has also experienced so much loss in her life and turned it into beautiful memories, finding her power and strength back. I don’t even know her, and I am rooting her on. Be kind to one another; you never know what the other person has going on in life. Instead, root for another.

Accept the adventure!