August 31st was a big day for the Kramer house. The local firemen were having a “Years of Service Recognition” and they invited our family to come.
They really hadn’t done this before so we didn’t know what was up. Many of the firemen have many years of service. I don’t remember how many years each of the men…Here’s the current chief Jamie with over 20 years of service.
Our past chief Dave with over 40. WOW!
Then our family was called up to receive an award for Kramer’s years of service. They also gave us a marker for his grave with the Maltese Cross. It was really special to us all. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again and again….these guys have been awesome to our family from the first time we met them to today when Kramer is no longer on the department because he passed away.  Our family couldn’t be more thankful.
I didn’t get a picture of us all…I wished I would have.
After the ceremony, we came back to the house. Kalissa and Craig stayed as many of the firemen were mingling. We were invited to stay too but the little ones weren’t good at mingling.
Buck brought the generator to my house. It’s the one he used during the storm. He gave Karl a lesson on how to use it.
The kids played outside…here is Scotty….
…and Lucy.
These two had us hopping. Oh, they are a busy age. It took three of us adults to keep up with them.
That evening Kalissa and Craig came back along with Carver. One of my childcare families came too and we were entertained by a “parade of lights”. The area fire trucks drive through town with lights one time and lights with sirens the second time. It was fun for the kids…us adults too.
It was a happy day we all appreciated. Then imagine our surprise when a couple of days later the local newspaper came. Frontpage..there was the picture I was hoping to have.
It was so sweet for the firemen to include Kramer and all of us in their days and such an honor that the newspaper included it too.
This was a good day.
Now I know another reason to keep up with you all
My son was a Houston Firefighter Paramedic, who passed way too soon. We’re family.
Blessings to you and your family Jo.
Nice pictures, nice honor, but NO masks?
Hey Hedy..We do wear masks when we can’t social distance and can’t stay away from people for the proper 15 minutes. This was held in an open garage with plenty of space and air movement-I know you can’t see that in the pictures. We don’t wear masks when we are with only family. I have two nurses in our bunch who are big on mask use…we all came to the conclusion that this would be an okay time to not wear masks.
If you enquire at the paper you may be able to get a print to frame of that precious photo.
Love and hugs for all your family
So happy for all of you!
I know that will be an occasion your family will treasure forever. I’m happy for you too.
What a blessing for you and your family.
Love and prayers
What a nice thing for the firemen to do. That is a great pic.
What a nice surprise for you guys! So glad that you got your picture of the family!
Tears.
What a family you have, what a great fire department and community.
I thought no masks among family was ok too, until my daughter was diagnosed with covid. It was very scary because my husband has copd and heart arythmia. His doctor told him he would not survive it. We will now wear our masks, annoying as they are.
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
Jo, you live in a very unique part of the country that Kramer would be remembered all these months later. What a special day for you and your family. Very moving.
Dear Jo, thank you for sharing such a special day.
It looks like Gannon and Georgia were listening to the lesson too. You never know what a little one remembers. They take it all in and don’t have the vocabulary to share yet. So glad you got the Family picture.
What a wonderful community to call home. Having Kramer remembered for his service along with the others shows how much the honor him and his family. Blessings in excess
How special for you and your family! Glad you had some special time together this weekend.
What a wonderful tribute to Kramer. People always say firefighters are like a family, and this seems to bear that out.
I’m so glad there was a picture! I agree that you should call the paper and try to get a copy of the picture! :)
I’m so happy Kramer was recognized for all his years of service with the fire department. What an honor for him and your family and what a great picture!
Congrats to all.