“How old is the Kid?”
It is January 10, 1995 and we are in San Diego to celebrate my Dad’s 80th birthday. Sean, Debby, Ray, Steve, Jan, Ryan, and Colin are all there to enjoy this milestone. Also there was LeeAnn, the waitress at the coffee shop my folks went to for 25 years. She was a nice girl and great to my parents. It’s raining and chilly but we have a surprise for my father and we are waiting anxiously for it to happen. At about 10 AM we hear a fire truck outside with the siren going full blast. My father has always enjoyed trucks and trains and has a collection of a couple hundred toy trucks (half of them fire trucks) which are everywhere in their house. As the sirens blasts my dad starts to get curious so we head out to the driveway to see what’s happening. The firetruck is parked in front of their house and the driver is walking up the driveway. He is a nice guy with a big smile and asks, “How old is the kid?”. There are some giggles and hesitation and then several people answer: “80”.
The fire department makes money by providing truck rides to kids for a donation. Can’t remember who came up with the idea but we decided dad would like to get a ride for his birthday.
The driver is not sure what to think but starts to warm up to the idea. We are all given fire helmets (made of plastic) and we load onto the truck. My parents hop in the front seat and we proceed to drive by the homes of every friend they have in the park. Most come out and wave and have a good laugh. My dad is loving it. Ryan and Colin have a blast and are starting to realize their grandfather is a character and pretty cool. We are eventually dropped off back the house. The driver admitted he’s never had an 80 year old go for a ride before which is what we suspected.
Simple, fun, and a good cause. Another reminder of why I love my family.
(You may notice Colin’s not looking at the camera. Is he thinking about his plan for the bobble-head doll? Read on and find out)
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