So we finally met with the firemen. They were the best.
My mom died October 8th of last year. I've not done an OP on this because . . . not sure what there is to say. But, now I do have something to say, to remind all of us "takers" what patriotism is really all about.
Cicero argued that man is a social animal and as such, we enter into an agreement with our fellow citizens to live together. Patriotism is the gratitude we feel for each other for entering into that agreement. It was my mom's favorite definition of patriotism, and mine. When people ask me if I am patriotic, I think of this definition and agree I am very patriotic. Grateful to all of you.
So, my mom was 88 years old, never sick a day in her life, independent to the end. On October 6 she was driving home from the grocery store when she had a stroke. Luckily she was near a man standing on the corner with a sandwich sign advertising cell phones. He went over to her car and called 911.
The firetruck arrived very quickly (2 blocks away) and an ambulance. Two of the firemen went with the ambulance to the hospital and left the other two to take care of the scene (her car was in the middle of the road). They could have called a tow truck but instead looked inside her purse, got her address and took her car to her house. When mom's neighbor saw them, the were taking her groceries inside her house to put them in fridge so they would not spoil. Then, they took her purse and car keys to the hospital for her.
I mean really. Who does stuff like that anymore? Ever? For a stranger?
So we wanted to thank them and went down on Saturday. They were all so sweet, and said it meant so much to them that we wanted to thank them. They said no one ever does and so they don't expect it. My sister and I took them candy at Christmas but we couldn't get everyone together to meet until now.
So, next time you need emergency services, especially if they are still provided by your local government as ours are, send a note. Or better yet, go down and shake their hands. They might even give you a ride on a firetruck! (Yes, waaaay cool. You might have to take your 5 year old grandson to get a ride. So worth it.)
I'm overcome with patriotism today. You should be too.
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I couldn't believe how appreciative they were that we bothered to say "thanks". I was apprehensive because I wondered if they would think it was bothersome to meet with us (it took forever to set up the meeting but it just might have been getting all 4 of them together), I'd started to wonder if we were being pests. Not at all. They couldn't thank US enough. Tell them you appreciate it They might come faster next time 
