Yesterday the news was constantly reporting about the bravery of the hundreds of firefighters who arrived on scene to extinguish the flames. They reported that two men had lost their lives, and several others were injured. Watching the news and listening to the TV made me sick to my stomach. Any loss of human life is a tragedy, and this was heartbreaking news. My Facebook feed lit up with pictures of the fire department, badges with a black line across them, and words of remembrance, pride, and love to the families.
During the first part of my morning today I will admit that I didn't think for too long about the events of yesterday. I was rushing to get ready, trying to get to my group before the kids arrived, and keeping track of 12 toddlers. At about 11:45 I was in the middle of circle time. We had just finished up a book and I was reaching into the box to pull out the toy for the next song. I quickly grabbed a bag of toys and started handing them out to each child. The energy level of the group escalated as it always does when we sing The Fire Truck Song. These little kids love to sing about driving the fire truck, climbing the ladder, and spraying the water. They each held their small truck and with big smiles they helped me sing one of their favorite songs. It made me smile, and I reflected quickly on how much love was being sent into the world through twelve little voices. I hope the two men who died yesterday, and all of the firefighters, felt that love in some way. My group of kids are never happier singing that song and holding those small fire trucks.
Firefighters, and all first responders, are heroes in so many ways. They run towards danger when everyone else is running away. They are often the first to arrive and last to leave. They bring so much joy and happiness to my little group of two and a half-year-olds. I am and will forever be grateful for those brave men and women who are truly American heroes.
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