Do you remember the tons of snow we had last December? I recall our family built four “snow people” on Christmas day and decorated them head to toe with the usual carrot noses, scarves and baseball caps, all in our beloved colors, purple and gold. For many of us in Northshore, it was a memory of a happy holiday — a true White Christmas. But, neighbor Chris Wick, has quite a different remembrance of last December and the holidays.

It was Dec. 26 when her husband, Bothell Fire Lieutenant, Gary Wick, was doing his job and answering a routine medical call. The scene was Green Acres Mobile Home Park where he and another firefighter were bringing in a stretcher for a patient in distress. What he didn’t know was that in minutes the awning, carrying the weight of 2 feet of heavy wet snow, would collapse and bury him. With the quick response and thorough training of his fellow firefighters, Gary survived critical injuries to his face and neck.

This year, Chris and Gary are seeing December and the holidays as more special than ever before. They will celebrate Christmas at home with their daughters.

The Wick’s children, Kendrah (28) and Hilary (25), will join them Christmas eve and day. Gary has always played a big role in the girls’ lives, even coaching their basketball teams throughout their school years — a love the girls have subsequently pursued.

As Chris says, “He fills up our lives so huge.”

However, this year, Chris and Gary have set one important guideline at this Christmas gathering — no cell phones.

“The phones stay in the car,” says Chris, who wants to cherish every moment of family, uninterrupted, on this day

Chris describes the scene in the kitchen, which she refers to as, “the family thing.”

“We get in the kitchen and cook together,” says Chris, and adds, “Gary always cooks the turkey and stuffing.”

Chris notes that Gary has learned to cook very well at the fire station, and that many times, they’ve spent Christmas at the station. Fortunately, his work schedule this year allows for that turkey aroma to fill his own home.

“Grateful to be alive,” aren’t just words in the Wick family, but carry a deep meaning.

They look at life differently now. They’re grateful for each day, taking walks with their golden retriever, Gus, observing the trees, the sky, chatting with neighbors about kids, dogs and Husky versus Cougar football. Gary and Chris take nothing for granted and have been seen helping neighbors in need along the way.

The Wicks are grateful for their firefighting family and service they bring every day to the citizens of Bothell.

Chris says, “To think, a year ago, Gary was a recipient of that service.”

As the weather gets colder, and snow may soon come, memories of last December rush back.

“Gary wasn’t looking forward to snow,” says Chris, adding, “He didn’t like snow after the accident.”

But, now, the thought of snow seems peaceful and even welcomed.

Chris reflects, “Trauma is an interesting thing. You don’t expect this to happen to you.”

“We now celebrate every day,” she says.

Suzanne G. Beyer is a Bothell resident.