Max's birthday party day was a bliss trip for him, and for me, too.
Bliss for Max:
A fire truck. His all-time favorite one, Ladder 31.
Backing down our street and stopping at our house, accompanied by Fire Chief Joe and his favorite firefighter, Angelo.
To escort him to his firefighter-themed birthday party at the civic house across the street from the fire station.
Firefighter Angelo lifting him up into the truck, as he always does when Max visits the firehouse.
And then a ride—an actual ride—in a fire truck. A dream come true for a kid who is obsessed with fire trucks and fire stations, and who wants to be a firefighter when he grows up.
Bliss for me:
The joy of surprising Max with something so beyond his wildest dreams, he's never thought to ask for it. The firefighters got the idea couple of months ago and told me during one of our regular weekend visits to the fire station. "Would that be OK, Mom?" Firefighter Angelo asked, and I got weepy. Like I've said before, firefighters are some of the best people ever.
Max only found out about it when I heard the fire truck arrive and I said, "Would you like the fire truck to come get you for your birthday party?" (Note the part in the video where he's gazing at awe in the fire truck and says, "Me?!")
Watching him get out-of-his-head happy.
And being filled with sheer gratitude for a gift that Max will never, ever forget.
what an amazing gift. So happy for him.
ReplyDeleteI'm teary eyed. This video is just awesome. The look of joy on his face is priceless. Thank you for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteThis is the greatest thing on the internet. Thanks for sharing the joy, Ellen!
ReplyDeleteRock on, Mom. What I truly love about the video is how you stayed on the porch and let Max go off with trusted friends. That's what we do, isn't it. Find ways to let our kids experience things as their own. I'm proud of you both.
ReplyDeleteIncredible!!
ReplyDeleteIt's a dream come true. I can't dream because finals are coming...
ReplyDeleteLoved that! Especially the part when you first told him, and then he ran to the door!
ReplyDeleteDon't cry, I told myself. Don't cry. And then, at 2:06, I did. What a wonderful gift from such wonderful gentlemen. Happy birthday, Max!
ReplyDeleteThis made my day, Ellen!
ReplyDeleteThat was the cutest thing ever! Go Max! Happy Belated Birthday guy! :)
ReplyDeleteSniff! Who is cutting onions in here??
ReplyDeleteI don'r think that you'll ever forget this gift either :-)
ReplyDeleteWonderful event for Fireman Max. Happy tears for Max.
ReplyDeleteThat was fabulous - what a wonderful birthday!
ReplyDeleteYup, also crying! Beyond awesome! Happy birthday, Fireman Max!
ReplyDeleteI think I need to find a fireman to hug. ;)
How incredible!! How was his party?
ReplyDeleteAre these firemen married?! LOL I am in tears! What amazing souls they are, and what an awesome gift for Max and for you! I hope it's okay for me to share this with my FB friends!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're right. You will NEVER top this!!!
ReplyDeleteSo many happy tears. I can't imagine how you felt! What wonderful guys those are. Tell them that the internet loves them!
ReplyDeleteThis is simply amazing. I started crying right when he turned after you asked him if he'd looked outside! What a moment!
ReplyDeleteWell, now I'm weepy, too.
ReplyDeleteSo unbelievably sweet! Looks like he had a fabulous birthday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a way to start the day, by watching this. Fantastic, Ellen!
ReplyDeleteHappy tears flowing! Amazing!!
ReplyDeleteOh. My. Gosh. I LOVE IT!!!
ReplyDeleteA very very happy birthday to dear, sweet Fireman Max!
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