Hidden Treasures

Tue 20 Jul 2010 Filed in: My Life | Reflections | Grief Notes
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It wasn’t where we were going, and I didn’t know it was there. While my brother was in town, we decided to see some of Seattle’s lesser-known sights. Jon likes off-beat stuff, so we had to include the Fremont Troll (who’s that walking over my bridge?) under the Aurora Bridge. A stop by Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (can you really put a national park in a building?) was in order as was a visit to the downtown Waterfall Garden Park a block away. (Yes, a waterfall downtown Seattle.) The one I didn’t know about was located between these last two in the headquarters of the Seattle Fire Department.

As we were walking by, we caught a glimpse of what looked like an old fire engine through the windows in the doors. We peered through the window and discovered it was one of several vintage fire engines inside. We eventually found a door (locked) that identified the Last Resort Fire Department, a Seattle Fire Department museum that opens for a few hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays. It was Monday, and we were out of luck. Or so we thought until a fire department official took pity on us and graciously offered to let us in for a private viewing. It is a fascinating display and an unexpected blessing.

Hidden treasures like the Last Resort Fire Department seem an appropriate metaphor for the last several days as we marked Matt’s passing with a graveside service and a barbecue. I have been blessed to hear wonderful stories of Matt’s impact. Some have brought laughter, some have brought tears; all have brought joy and made me hungry to hear more. Like a gracious fire department official who got out of his vehicle and unlocked a door, friends have opened their memories and let me in to see hidden Matt treasures worth sharing. Thank you!