| It was Christmas eve and the members of Bay District's station 3 and 9 had a few stops to make before heading home to be with their families. The first stop was going to be a surprise visit to one of our own beloved members Ray (Poppa) Hanbury. Poppa has been a little under the weather the past couple of months and was unable to be with us for our Christmas party at station 3 so some of us got together and decided why don't we take the party to him. We decided that we would meet at the Town Creek school before heading over to Ray's house about two blocks away. Little did we realize that there would be such a turn out by the members but as I sat in the parking lot of the school they just kept coming and coming. We had fire trucks, cars, and vans loaded with members and their families. We decided that we would drive down the street that Poppa lives on so off we went and it made quite a sight to see.
When we pulled in front of his house you could see him sitting in his favorite spot looking out the window. Did he have a surprised look on his face or what. With Santa (Jeff McLane) leading the way into the house we all managed to pack ourselves in and crowded around Ray and his family.
We had brought our favorite Christmas songs to sing and did out very best to keep in tune with one another. I don't think we are ready for American idol yet but with work who knows. As we sang our songs Poppa was grinning from ear to ear and that sure made our day. We had a large fruit basket from all the members for Poppa and the family and that was sure a change as he is the chairman of our sunshine committee who always sees that our members and their families receive flowers or fruit baskets when the need arises. As it became time for us to leave and head to our next stop everyone in the room went over to Poppa and either gave him a hug or a handshake.
Being one of the last to leave the house I looked at this man who is probably one of the toughest men I have ever known and saw a man who is loved by so many and who offers that love in return. As I was getting in one of our brush trucks one of the neighbors across the street gave me a shout saying "That's A Good Thing You All Just Did" and you know what I think it was.
Merry Christmas Poppa……We Love Ya Man……. |
