Monday, November 3, 2008

I AM...

This was taken from the book The Fireman's Wife and it couldn't be more accurate to my own life! If you are the wife of a fireman, I reccomend this book (and to anyone that just wants a good read!)

Just had to share the poem! Like I said, it sums up my life so accurately!

I am thankful. This has not always been an easy walk for me.

I am disappointed. We have missed family gatherings, weddings, dinner engagements, birthday parties, and holidays because of shift schedules and overtime.

I am patient. There have been dinners spent at the firehouse waiting for Daddy to return from a call while the kids get cranky and the food gets cold.

I am nervous. I awake at 3:00 A.M. hearing creaks in the house and don't have the comfort of my husband beside me.

I am tired. The house is full of sick kids and there is no relief in site because Daddy is on a seventy-two-hour shift.

I am jealous. Jealous of all the women whose husbands came home at 5:00 P.M. to have dinner and hold them at the end of their day.

I am worried. I worry that he may not come home one day. This I try to tuck away.

I am content. We have decided to give up my career so I can stay home and raise our children. We no longer have an abundance of money or things. It is the greatest freedom I have ever known.

I am incompetent. There was a time when I considered myself moderately intelligent. I now struggle to remember where I left my car keys, the diaper bag, and, occasionally, the baby.

I am waiting. Knowing the phone may one day ring for me.

I am doubting. Doubting that God hears all my prayers. Doubting I am the kind of wife and mother He needs me to be.

I am trusting. Trusting that my husband will come home again.

I am confident, I am embarrassed, I am lonely, I am surprised, I am overworked, I am underpaid.

I am...The Fireman's Wife.

10 comments:

Minxy Mimi said...

Awww, ((hugs))
I never thought about how difficult it would be for a fireman's (and policeman's) wife and family.

Thanks for being such a kind and thoughtful poster on my blog, I appreciate your sweet and insightful comment.

Kimmy said...

What a powerful read! I thank Eric for his couragous work!!!
I would have been one of many fireman wives as Paul went through the beginning stages of becoming a fireman until he found out the one thing that kept him from being a fireman......he's colored blind. I may be selfish to say, but I'm happy he is. I don't know if I'm a strong enough person to handle it. Kuddos to you!! XOXO

jori-o said...

I didn't know you were a fireman's wife! To you and your hubby: THANK YOU. The rest of us are very grateful for the work you do and the sacrifices you make for us.
Really, truly, thank you!

Anonymous said...

This so applies to me also (even though I'm not a FF wife).

Wow. Every one of those were the truth weren't they.

Denise said...

Oh Val - I know you definitely can relate! Here's to Canada and wine...one of these days! :)

Trina said...

Wow...this is you...to a tee!

Darcie said...

That's really touching. I couldn't imagine being a fireman's wife...what a daily struggle that must be! *hugs*

Anonymous said...

I love that book. I received an advanced copy of the book before it was released and just oohed and aahed over it! You should also check out I Love a Firefighter. It's got a lot of great insite too!

MommaKiss said...

cool blog - and, err, this? "I am jealous. Jealous of all the women whose husbands came home at 5:00 P.M. to have dinner and hold them at the end of their day." ain't all it's cracked up to be :)

thank you to your hubband AND you for supporting him!

Happy Election Day!

Unknown said...

One of the most demanding and rewarding career choices EVER! Good for you and love and kindness for you all. Stopping by from SITS to share the love! Take care.