Relationships and marriage are hard. Add children and an unknown work schedule into the mix... it can become a difficult challenge.
Being the wife of a first responder is a beautiful delicate balance of chaos, love, and compromise. There are so many times the wife may want to say something...something that has been on her mind, something she wants to share and discuss, but struggles with finding the right time.
Do I bring it up on a day he has off? No, I don't want to ruin the limited time we have together.
Do I bring it up before he leaves for work? No, I don't want him to be dwelling on it when he needs to be focused.
Do I bring it up when he gets home? No, he needs a safe place to take off his boots and rest his head.. for sometimes it feels like he is hated by the world...so I will ensure he feels safe at home.
After dinner? No, there are kids that need to be put to bed...
It will wait... It always does.
Like most spouses of first responders we struggle with holding everything in. There never seems to be a right time. However, no matter the challenge, the struggle, the difficult conversations that need to be had, every time you lace up your boots, adjust your hat, and walk out the door... I will always stop and say I love you. Just to remind you how important you are to me. And just before you walk out the door...
Don't forget to stop and come back and kiss me.