How do you know he’s a firefighter? —- You can tell by his shirt! Likewise, you can tell a firewife by how she approaches some things.
Not only is she a rockstar when her husband isn’t home (somebodies gotta do it!) but she keeps it together so that he can do his job.
Together they are a team, one that helps hold our country together, as Firefighters are an essential part of keeping everyone safe (and their spouses at home do a lot of work too!)
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How do you know she’s a Firefighter Wife? Here’s the top 9 ways it shows!
1. She likes her husband in Navy Blue, not only is it a good color, but he also wears it all the time!
Am I right? Or am I right?
No seriously, there’s a lot of navy blue going on. At least he looks cute in it! At least you can match him?!? I mean, the options on Etsy are getting better every month!
2. She isn’t afraid of spending nights alone
Her firefighter could be gone for who knows how long if he volunteers and all night on a schedule when he is career.
So she can’t be scared. She’s got to keep the home together while he’s away. This is one of the Cons to be with a firefighter– but their sure are a lot of pros that come with it too!
3. She rocks it as a solo parent (or solo dog mom!)
Shift days can be long! Throw in some volunteer hours, some trainings, and maybe a natural disaster (or two!) and it’s a wonder she gets anything done.
And you know what else? It’s not perfect, and sure, maybe there are a few tips she can pick up to make things work- or hell- maybe she’s totally overwhelmed. But you know what? She’s doing it, and she’s doing it with grace.
4. She’s used to smelling smoke, not the cigarette kind, the house kind.
From her husband needing to shower after a call, to dirty turnouts, she knows what smoke smells like.
And she knows how to wash it out of the laundry. And she reminds her husband about his cancer risk (and secondary exposure) so everyone can stay clean and safe.
5. Her Firefighter carries her heart with him whenever he is on shift
Firewives have a few different ways of coping when their firefighter is gone. Some stay super busy so they don’t think about it, some are anxious the entire time, some listen to the scanner and follow the word of mouth forums to see what’s happening.
Hell, some of us Fire wives are just happy to watch what we want on Netflix and get the bed to ourselves.
However you deal, we know that we want our firefighter to stay safe. Sometimes that means getting him a “Love Token” to remind him – He has a place back home and to stay safe out there.
6. Holidays, events, and days off are scheduled around shift days, Kelly days and trainings
Sure he has vacation time, but he also has to work. Sometimes Christmas is rescheduled, and some birthday’s are celebrated at the station. Special trips may be saved for times when there’s a swap available or a Kelley day.
Which is actually kinda cool, because some Firefighters are able to work more than one shift, or rotate shifts with their wife to care for the kids! And you can always text your firefighter– never forget how powerful it is that this generation has cell phones.
7. When the tones drop
she has to stop and let her husband go save lives
And sometimes the tones drop at really really important times. Like during the middle of an important conversation or when they are trying to spend some time together.
But her husband made a commitment, and she made a commitment to him! She knows how to manage her LODD concerns and doesn’t let it rule her life.
8. She has to constantly reassure her friends and family
Because he isn’t always there. Heck, sometimes he’s never around, especially if he’s doing a special school (I’m looking at you, medic school)
And let’s not forget that if her FF does anything ‘wrong’ that she shares with others, then they will start to think the marriage is on the rocks.
Yes, still married. Yes, husband works alot. Yes, we will make it through this just like police officers and military and other wives who are married to hard working first responders!
9. And…
that, not only did she marry a firefighter, but she married the love of her life. She ain’t nobodies badge bunny!
This fire life is tough stuff. It’s not something that we want to do for glory or some sort of social media thing.
Firefighter wives married their husbands because of love, not a job title, not a paycheck and not for a thin red line.
They love the man inside the bunkers, it’s just a bonus that he’s a firefighter.
You are a wife first and a firefighter wife second– it’s awesome and amazing and messy.
Let’s Remember
Firefighters couldn’t do what they do without their spouses. We are their friends, their confidents, the keepers of the home when they are away.
Fire Wives have such an important role, never forget that. What you do behind the scenes is valuable!
Are you ready to lower the LODD risks for Firefighters?
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