Speechless...Well, Almost!

Last night, the fam got all spiffy and headed off to the city council meeting. We took a seat in the third row...and were joined by our favorite people (our parents). The council rolled in, followed by the mayor. Tim was the very last resolution on the agenda. How will my 2 1/2 year old sit through this whole meeting...let alone the very sleepy and starting-to-get-fussy 8 month old..??

The mayor, in his infinite wisdom, took note of the young (and beautiful) children in the audience and bumped up Resolution 100-2008 to hire Timothy Shannon Best as full-time firefighter to the very first matter of business. We held our breath. Roll call. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I beamed. I looked at my hubby and there are no words.

The mayor invited us up to welcome Tim 'on-board' and have him introduce our fam to those in attendance. We shook his hand and had that awkward moment where we weren't sure what to do next....

And, then, I couldn't stop myself. I couldn't help it. Something had to be said. We have been waiting for this day for so long and I couldn't let them hurry us through 'our moment'.

You see, yesterday I was cleaning out a storage closet and found The Inkspot, a Nordonia Middle School publication of short stories and poems and such. And, as I wondered why the heck I still had this, I flipped through to see how many times I was published ;-)....and there I found it: the writings of an 8th grade boy...dreaming about where he would be in 2010:

"I am 31 years old and I have two exciting careers. I am in my 10th season of playing professional hockey and I am also a firefighter. I started playing hockey when I was younger and after years of hard work I became pro. I make 7 million dollars a year and live in a huge house. My house has a pool, 300 acres of land and the best part my wonderful family is there.

I became interested in firefighting in 7th grade. A career speaker came into my class and got me interested in the field. I really enjoy doing them both." Tim Best - Grade 8

And, I had to share this with the council, the city, the world. They weren't just filling another city employee position, they weren't just giving the voters what they asked for; they were playing a role in helping an 8th grader realize his dream to become a career fireman. They were giving our family what we have been dilligently praying for for 10+ years....They were letting our boys see that your dreams can be realized. They were providing our family with an opportunity that seemed so out of reach.

I wanted them to know that they are getting far more than an employee. They are getting the 'total package' -- a well-trained, experienced firefighter/paramedic AND a man that cares deeply about people and the community. I am not sure who is getting a better deal: us or them...

Tim and I met in Macedonia. Our parents graduated in Macedonia. We learned to drive in Macedonia. We grew up in Macedonia and have watched it grow. We love its people. We know its people: hard-working families. parents. grandparents. veterans. teachers. and even a retired NFL player. We are excited to give back. To be civil servants. To educate, laugh with, cry with, grow with this city.

And we are just so darn happy. And thankful. And in awe that God has orchestrated this for our fam. Wow. Speechless...well...almost.

Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, mayor, council, fire chief! Thank you, Tim for not giving up on your dream. Thank you for your perserverence and persistence and patience in following this God-given dream.

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

We are soaring. I am so proud of you....I am so excited for our family! I am married to a FULL-TIME FIREMAN!!!

We are living the dream. And I don't have a picture.