PAYSON HOTSHOTS - Payson, AZ

Today we planned to stop by and visit the Payson Hotshots.  After speaking to them on the phone yesterday afternoon, we made the drive to Payson this morning to meet them face to face.  I must confess, I take every opportunity I can to hug a hotshot. 

Ryder, Shiloh, Tate, Choice, and Juliann - Payson Interagency Hotshot Crew Station

As luck would have it, prior to us arriving at their station, they were called out on an assignment.  The unpredictability of a hotshots work is something that we understand all too well.  Clearly, as evidenced by the photos, we wasted no time letting ourselves right in and right at home.  There was a familiarity to it that exists in all hotshot stations...the smell of smoke, the list of chores and assignments written methodically on white boards, and a very warm and welcoming atmosphere.  It doesn't take much in the way of "fluff" for hotshots to flourish and perform difficult tasks.   

 

Our gratitude for the Payson Hotshots came from a wonderful gift they gave my children and the other children of the fallen Granite Mountain Hotshots.  Their yellow work shirts, such as those they are wearing in this photo, were worn on a fire assignment shortly after the Yarnell Hill Fire.  Upon their return home, and in response to a request by my dear mother-in-law, they bagged up their shirts and sent them to our family to make dolls for each of the kids to hold and play with in remembrance of their daddies.  Naturally, they are called their "Daddy Dolls".

Payson AZ Hotshot Crew

Tate, Shiloh, Choice, and Ryder with their Daddy Dolls
 

 We stayed just long enough for a forest ranger to let us know the crew would not be returning for awhile.  A handwritten note on a scrap piece of paper would be the alternative to the hug I wanted to leave them with.  In addition to the note, we left Be Better Bands for each of them and a canvas picture of the daddy dolls being put to good use.

Note we left for the Payson IHC

 

Photo we left for the Payson IHC

As we were leaving the station my eyes were drawn to something right out front.  It was a beautiful tribute to our loved ones.  I was moved to tears as we stood next to the names of my husband and 18 of my friends, realizing that the love and celebration of their lives is further reaching than we may every know.  Shortly after those thoughts went through my mind, I was startled by Choice who also appeared to be moved to tears.  Upon further investigation, it was apparent that he was crying due to being impaled by the antlers on the tribute and not the emotional sentiment.  Either way, he got his soft side from his daddy. (DISCLAIMER...Choice was not seriously injured and we've elected not to press charges :-) hee hee)


Choice, Juliann, Tate, Ryder, and Shiloh
 

We would've loved the opportunity to meet the hotshots.  However, the absence of their physical presence did not mean an absence of learning from them and their ideals.  Among the many inspirational items we saw on our visit, the sign photographed below really struck me.  FOR THE GREATEST GOOD, FOR THE MOST PEOPLE.  This is the work of a wildland firefighter.  This is what it means to be a silent hero.  This is an example of individuals who embody the Granite Mountain Hotshots motto, Esse Quam Videri (to be rather than to seem to be).  These men never knew we would see this sign and be inspired by it.  They never asked for recognition for the beautiful tribute they made to honor our men. Nor did they ask questions when receiving a bizarre request for their dirty work shirts.  They just recognized an opportunity to serve others, and they accepted.  What an incredible example they are to me of being Better! 



I want to give a special thanks to two amazing women.  Andrew's mother, Deborah, who had the brilliant idea to design these dolls and reach out to the hotshots to make it possible.  And her dear friend, Roberta, who spent countless hours sewing these dolls and personalizing each one for the children of the hotshots.  My children have found immense comfort from the companionship of their daddy dolls.  My deepest gratitude to the many hands that made this lofty project a beautiful reality.



            Tate, Shiloh, Ryder, Choice, Juliann & Daddy Dolls        

Tate, Shiloh, Choice, and Ryder with Daddy Dolls