大象传媒

By Marcy Ellis S

In a quiet suburb called Oakville just outside of Toronto lived 7-year-old Grace Walker. Grace is an only child who has lots of friends and a happy little life.

Although Grace felt happy and loved, there was something niggling away at her. Everyone seemed to know exactly what they wanted to be when they were older. Unlike Grace's friends who loved to play with dolls and bake muffins in pink tutus Grace was always outside playing in mud and clearing snow with her toy truck.

Oakville Elementary holds an annual career fair. During this day children hear from adults about many different careers. They heard from doctors, held rabbits that came in with the local vet, they met a Senator running for election and a librarian who told everyone how she was born holding a book! But Grace had no inspiration whatsoever.

That evening Grace was very quiet at the dinner table. Her Mom was worried and asked her what was wrong. Grace began to cry as she poured her heart out to her mother about her future and career. Grace has always dreamed of becoming a firefighter, helping others and being a hero to families in situations of despair. When she told her friends they laughed as a girl can't be a 'fireman'. Grace's Mom smiled and hugged her.

Her Mom went into her study and picked up her laptop. She ran a quick search and placed the laptop in front of Grace. As Grace looked up with tears running down her face, she saw the screen. There was a beautiful, smiling female firefighter accepting a medal from the Mayor for her bravery during a horrific car accident on the QEW road last year. In the photo she is holding one of the little girls she freed from the school bus. Grace couldn't believe it.

Grace's Mom suggested they contact the firefighter on LinkedIn. Grace sat and waited hoping for a reply! They couldn't contain their excitement when a reply flashed up a few minutes later. Constance Baker was her inspiration, finally. She continued to read Constance's blog and followed her daily. Constance even suggested Grace joined an activity club at the weekend to learn outdoor skills and survival hacks.

That Summer Grace celebrated her birthday with a garden party with all her friends. When it was time to bring out the cake Grace was told to close her eyes. Suddenly they heard loud sirens coming closer and louder by the second. When she opened her eyes Constance in her full uniform and helmet was holding her cake and the rest of the crew were crowded around the fire truck. Grace's friends and family were shrieking and lining up to ride in the fire truck and take pictures wearing the helmets. This was the best birthday Grace could ever have.

At school Grace was the talk of the hallways. She was so proud of her future dreams and now truly believed anything is possible.