Thoughts and Prayers

Thoughts and Prayers go out to Bear Divide Hotshot Superintendent Mike Alarid and his family for the loss of his 19 yr. old daughter Sarah who went missing on Jan. 1, after a New Years Eve party.  Local authorities, volunteers and family have been searching for Sarah.  Today the search ended with the finding of Sarah's body and her wrecked car in a ravine near Little Tijunga Canyon in Los Angeles County.

Fire and Police Recognition Days

Fire and Police Recognition Days

Starting Thanksgiving Day and running through January 31, 2013, Knott's will honor all those who protect life and property with Fire and Police Recognition Days. FREE admission to the park will be offered to all active fire and police personnel and one guest. November 22 - January 6 up to six additional tickets can be purchased for only $25 each. January 7- January 31, 2013, up to six additional tickets can be purchased for only $19 each.

All Active Fire and Police Personnel can also stay at the Knott's Hotel at a discounted rate beginning Thanksgiving Day through January 31, 2013. Simply select the Fire and Police Tribute option when making your Reservations.
^{*Eligible person must be present.}

Not just fires

Just got word that Hubby's crew and a few other crews are leaving tomorrow for PA to assist with hurricane cleanup.  When emergencies happen FF can be mobilized to help......not just fires!!  Please pray for those affected by the horrible hurricane and weather on the East coast, but also please pray for the fire crews going to help with relief efforts.  Not your typical assignment!!

Are you the Fireman's wife?

We live in a fairly small town.  Well let's just say it's getting bigger, but the barber still waves to us, and a few of the local firemen wave at us.  We are also good friends with a Highway Patrol officer, so occasionally we'll get a wave or a visit at the house from our friend in his patrol car.  A few weeks ago, our neighbor was in an accident just a few houses down from ours and a Highway Patrol officer was able to help her push her car to her driveway.  When he heard where she lived, he said "Oh you live next to the fireman."  She told me the story and I asked if it was our friend.  She said it was a different officer, but he still acted like he knew us.  We live very close to town, so daily we'll see a Sheriff or Highway Patrol drive by. 

Let me pause my story by saying, my husband & I both have personalized  FF plates and stickers on our back windows depicting the agency hubby works for.

So anyways, today I was at the funeral of our friend's dad.  A few of his "buddies" were there to show him support.  A few in uniform and a few in civilian clothes.  As I was walking out to my car past the uniformed officer, he said "Are you the fireman's wife that lives on __ Street?"  I said "yes I am, you must be officer ___."  He said he had seen me before and knew we were a FF family because of our plates. He also sees Hubby's FIRE vehicle parked in the driveway occasionally.

I'm sure many of you can relate, that I am honored to know that people know I AM A FIREMAN'S WIFE.  I am very proud of my hardworking WFF husband!!  So when he asked me that question, I felt honored to say that I am the other half of a FIREMAN.  I wouldn't want my life any other way.

We will never forget the 343

Even though this is a Wildland Firefighter Wives blog, we are all still one Firefighter family.  My heart is sad for the wife, who kissed her FF husband goodbye as he left for his shift, never to kiss him again.  For the child who hugged their Daddy as he left for work, never to return home. For the family who waved good-bye to their FF hero as he left for work, never to return home.  I pray for comfort for all those that were affected September 11th.  Hug your husband tight as he leaves for work, and let him know he's your HERO!!

Restless nights....

Our son is 3-years-old and has had some changes in his life this year.  The biggest one would be starting preschool 2 days a week (half day).  It has been a very HOT summer and we've had the a/c on and lots of fans.  As a mom, I can tell he's tired, but when he goes to bed, he tosses and turns.  I'm thinking that he's also starting to figure out this whole dad is home, dad is gone thing.  It seems like when hubby is home, he wakes up with "night tares" and usually hubby is the one to go into his room to be with him.  When daddy isn't home, he goes to bed (for the most part)  pretty easy.  He doesn't wake up, but he does come get into our bed early morning, to sleep on Daddy's pillow.  After talking with my mom (an old-retired WFF wife) she thinks that he's restless because he isn't sure when Daddy is coming home or leaving again.  He was napping the other day, when hubby called from work to share the news of them leaving again for a fire assignment.  When our son woke up, I said "guess where Daddy is going?"  He looked at me with a smirk and said "to another fire!"  So I had to explain it again, when it got dark and Daddy wasn't home, that he will be gone a few days fighting a fire.  He's our only child.
What are your thoughts on this?  Have you ever had situations like this?   

PS- I find that my mind has a hard time "relaxing" when hubby is gone.  I don't sleep well at all and feel like when I'm asleep, I'm not in a deep sleep like when he's home next to me.

Gone again...

Hubby had 2 days off of mandatory R&R after a 20-day fire assignment to Idaho.  He worked his day off yesterday for overtime (they needed coverage on the district) and he called this afternoon to tell us he's leaving again.  It's for reasons like this that we make spending quality family time a priority on the R&R days.  Our little son, said "Daddy is leaving again to help with a fire?"  I don't know if he fully understands (he's only 3).  The big fire checks help us get caught up and save a little, but we sure do miss him when he's gone.