April 7 – “The Cookie Lady”

I made a couple of fire station visits the other day.  I wanted to see if station seven in Pirates Beach was getting close to returning to their building.  It has been under renovation for quite a while now and they have set up shop in a building around the corner.  Don’t get me wrong, the building they are in now is a very nice place.  Spacious and comfortable and really meets their needs.  I can’t wait to see the renovated place, though.  It was really cramped, had a strange layout, and probably the tiniest kitchen you can imagine.  Word was that they could be back in just a few more weeks. 

I also went out to station eight in Sea Isle.  As it turned out I also had to deliver some keys to a Seasider who lives across the street from the station.  I did that first, and ended up spending an hour just talking with Jim and Charlotte.  She told me that she envisions herself as The Cookie Lady.  Every chance she gets she makes a batch of cookies and delivers them to the guys on duty.  She really appreciates the crews being there.  Said it makes her feel safe.  And so whenever she hears the sirens kick on, she says a prayer for their safety.  That’s what I like to hear. 

The Cookie Lady told me about the time she was at the park right next to the station with a niece and nephew.  They kept staring longingly at the big trucks, so she ambled over to the station and asked if there was any way she could bring the youngsters over and let them look at the trucks.  Fire fighter Bennett said to bring them on.  He helped them crawl into the cab and be “The Captain” and “The Driver.”  They got to honk the horn and even hear the siren.  The kids absolutely loved it.  Atta boy, Jab.  And atta girl, Cookie Lady.  I wish every station had one of you nearby.

Mark 5:18-19 says, “As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him.  Jesus did not let him, but said, ‘Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’”

Father, thank you for a community that cares about the guys who put their lives on the line for them.  Amen.