You know, it’s really hard for some people to understand the stress that comes with being a firefighters wife. Lately, I have made a friend who’s husband is also a firefighter. A captain at that! In Clayton, MO. Can you imagine what they see over there? WOW!
It’s nice to talk to someone about being the backbone to a firefighter. They understand the in’s and out’s to it all. The calls, the risks, the trainings, every single part of it. Even if we don’t know each other personally, why would that matter? It’s the sisters of a brotherhood. And I love it! I am one of those “what if” type of thinkers. “What if this happened?” “What if he doesn’t return home?” etc… I know I shouldn’t think that way, but it’s what I do. I am a worry type of gal. Hell, I can’t even sit through a movie with firefighting without my chest getting heavy and my blood pressure rising. UGH!
I know that it all starts with a kick ass support system at home. I try so hard to support my husband in what he loves to do. You can tell that he has a passion for what he does and loves to help people. He’s not just in it for the title. And that makes the world of a difference in the performance. I always tell him to be the firefighter that we would want showing up if the situation called for it. And he does his damndest to do so. It doesn’t matter if he has gotten 2 hours of sleep, or 12 hours of sleep. He is out the door in about 30 seconds flat.
What he doesn’t know, is that I support him more than he thinks or even knows. From a wife perspective, it just gets a little scary. More so when the big calls come in… Interstate accidents, burning buildings…. You know, when the shit REALLY hits the fan. Don’t get me wrong, it’s ALL dangerous. But some stuff is worth worrying about just a little bit more. No matter what, I will always support him, as much as I possibly can. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows. It’s not always about going up to the department just to hang out with the guys to get out of the house. It’s not just spiffing up the trucks for a holiday parade… It’s just so much more than that. I guess I’m just always worried about his safety…..Did he get enough rest to endure such a call? Did he eat enough to have the energy to rush into the burning building or to pull someone out of a car? Did he train hard and long enough to know EXACTLY what to do for HIS safety? Did he put his Nomex on to protect his head? What about his SCBA’s? Are those fully functional and prepared to be used? You see…. While he just bolts out the door, there’s only one thing on his mind. And it’s just to be there to help. Being the wife, it’s an entire list of questions – more like a book of questions, really.
It’s a lot to take in. And it’s a lot to put out…No pun intended… All I know to do is to love, support, and pray for him.
To my husband, I love you. and I am SO proud of you.
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