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Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive November 2004: Any fireman wives out there?
My dh decided to join our fire department! Since we live in a teeny-tiny community, it's all volunteer, and we are in desperate need of firemen, so on the one hand I'm really proud of him. But on the other, I'm terrified! Granted, we don't have too many major things happen around here (field fires, houses, accidents)...nothing like high-rise apartments or chemical warehouses, but it's still somewhat dangerous, right? How do you handle the times your dh goes on a call?
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That is great of your DH to volunteer.
I am!!!!! Chris is a volunteer firefighter as well. He's been doing it for 9 years now. At first, I was terrified also, but you get used to it. I still do get scared, and it's only normal, but it will get easier. I promise. You can e-mail me if you want, it's in my profile. I LOVE going up to the firehouse and chatting with the other firefighters. I've met a lot of friends that way. You can bring the firefighters dinner and brownies, and it will ALL get eaten by someone. It's kind of fun also.
Nate is a firefighter/EMT. They are a close "brotherhood" on Volunteer and paid departments. I have a beautiful prayer called the Fireman's Prayer... I can send it to you if you'd like. I'll certainly keep your DH in my thoughts... and please keep us in yours... Nate is testing with a department on the coast of TX on the 30th. It would be a really great move for us!!
I would love a copy of the prayer... could you post it here? He won't be staying at the firehouse, but will carry a pager. He'll begin his training pretty soon and then will be put into the rotation. It's the midnight calls I'm thinking of... I know I won't get any sleep as long as he's out!
I still don't sleep well when he is gone, but I know that they look out for eachother. He will be in good hands sweetie.
That's the one Rayanne. Janet, Nate did the volunteer department for the rural parts of our county, but decided to stop because he couldn't respond to the volume of calls they needed him to. He works full time as an EMT, and is TX certified as a fireman. He's testing with paid departments for a full time position. It's stressful either way, because most departments do the Kelley shift system, 24 on 48 off, so you are either stressed just during calls he responds to, or for an entire 24 hour period he's on shift. Just remember, these men and women are trained, and they do everything they can to protect themselves AND each other. They make calculated decisions before entering a burning building. The unthinkable is always possible, but you just kiss them, let them go, and have faith. It was easier for me because my dad is a police officer, and my ex-husband is a soldier. It gets easier. Most firemen will tell you most accidents happen when someone freaks out. That causes them to get disoriented and they can't find the path they came in. Trust in his ability to keep his calm, and get to know the other wives.
Brother when you weep for me Remember that it was meant to be Lay me down and when you leave Remember I'll be at your sleeve In every dark and choking hall I'll be there as you slowly crawl On every roof in driving snow I'll hold your coat and you will know In cellars hot with searing heat At windows where a gate you meet In closets where young children hide You know I'll be there at your side The House from which I now respond Is overstaffed with heroes gone Men who answered one last bell Did the job and did it well As firemen we understand That death's a card dealt in our hand A card we hope we never play But one we hold there anyway That card is something we ignore As we crawl across a weakened floor For we know that we're the only prayer For anyone that might be there So remember as you wipe your tears The joy I knew throughout the years As I did the job I loved to do I pray that thought will see you through. Author Unknown
Our training took place on stairs In a brick-built tower leading nowhere With glassless windows issuing false smoke The concrete crumbling to fine dust With the incessant passage of rubber booted feet Sweltering equipment to the scene of some imagined fire. Hours over years spent on such stairs The action of climbing them so grained into my mind That the flutter of fear seems superficial by comparison. And this Tuesday morning In my heavy gear and helmet Stairs lined by the subdued and stunned Elegant in morning pressed clothes and fresh deodorant Eyes eloquent in their despair for me They shuffle down as I lumber sweating up Each stair the rhythm of my mantra Ah Jesus, Ah Jesus, Ah Jesus, Ah ©2001, David Cochrane
Lord I thank You for surrounding me with the most sincere And bravest of individuals; Grant us fortitude so that we may continue to assist one another As we carry out our duties. I ask that You guard my fellow Firefighters and I Whenever and wherever we face danger. Protect us against natural incidents, careless or evil acts of others, and, May we be blessed with progressive leaders, exceptional training and protective equipment; and most advanced technology that can be afforded. May I continue to receive the generous support of my family As I carry out this endeavor. Lord, if you should call me to Your side while I'm in service, Please grant my family incredible strength and understanding, And may You also grant them comfort and the full support of the community In their time of need. Jim Drzewiecki TDVFC 12/01
We call upon You for strength and guidance. Look kindly upon us in our needs. Teach us to look always to You for assistance as our fellow citizens look to us. Give us courage, that we may impart courage to others. Make us studious, and give us pride and joy in our work. When the gong sounds, calling us to duty, give us speed and efficiency. As our siren wail, ride with us through the city streets, shielding us from danger. On the fire scene, may our officers and men always work as an honorable, courageous and victorious team. Walk with us through the terror of flame and explosion. May our hearts be always ready if we should be summoned before our Eternal Chief in the midst of our labors. Through our ministrations to our suffering fellow men, we dedicate our lives humbly to Your praise and glory. In joy or sorrow, we ask only that You may be pleased with our service, that when the Last Alarm shall have sounded for us, we may receive our eternal assignment with you. AMEN -Author Unknown
A fireman's wife's job is never done. It's not always glamorous It's seldom fun. As the tones go off at 6 a.m. I hear you whisper a prayer "Lord, please not a fire again" This time your prayer goes unanswered. As the dispatch comes through. The house is afire, inside a child of 2. As you look in my eyes. You see the desire. The one to save lives. The other to put out the fire. As I rush to get dressed. And head to the door. You say "I love you and be safe." I say "Always and I love you more." Today I got lucky. I saved the childs life. And I made it back. Home to my kids and my wife. But as I lay there in bed. Wondering what you must feel. Knowing the pain, must be to real. Not knowing if you'll get it. That dreadful call. The one saying "he didn't make it. He took the fall" If that day should ever come to life. Always remember. I love you, my fireman's wife. Author: Jason M. Rahn
The pager makes it's beeping noise, The scanner comes to life. You see excitement on his face As he goes off to fight. No matter what you're doing Or whatever the current plan, All you can say is "Later Hon" As he gets those keys in hand. You say a little prayer That God will keep him safe, That with all the pride and bravery No one will make a mistake. You know those men are Brothers And fiercely will protect The lives of each other and others-- They will truly give their best! You and your "man's best friend" Are both loyal and true. You keep each other company Waiting for him to return to you. And when that front door opens With "Honey I'm home" again, You thank the Lord he's back OK, Your brave and strong Fireman. Author Unknown
I have the Fireman's wife poem too. I love it!!!
Rayanne, I love that poem. Have any of you seen ladder 49? It might be a little much, but it's awesome!
Not poem, prayer. I'm sorry.
Bea... ! I knew without checking the date to what that mantra referred. I can't tear up at work, so I'm not reading it again until later. Ah Jesus... indeed.
We had our first midnight call two nights ago... just someone reported smelling natural gas out by the highway. DH and I got to go to the annual Christmas party (yes, already!) and he got his first paycheck...$20!! Woo-hoo! LOL I guess they pay $20 per run. The veterans got a good laugh out of that. They also teased DH because he was the last one to the firehouse when his pager went off!
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