No Sweetie, that is not your Daddy.

How do you explain to a 3 year-old that Daddy is not on every rig we see?  In the summer, we seem to go shopping at the same time as 3 of the area companies.  A few weeks ago, even shopping after school we ran into E38 at Woodman's.  And EVERY time, O swears it is her Daddy coming to see her.

Today, there was a med call across the street.  Two squads, followed 20 minutes or so after by E38.  She SQUEALED in delight, "Mommmmmmmmy, Daddy's home!" And here's what she was so excited about...

Please excuse my nose/fingerprinted screen door!  Ewwww!

She saw the engine and the firefighters get off the rig and she just KNEW it was her Daddy!  She sat in front of that door, pitifully calling, "Daddy, Daaaaddddyyy, come herrrrree."  I felt so bad, we went over and introduced ourselves so she could see that it was NOT Daddy.  They smiled and were gracious as we bothered them waiting patiently for the rest of their crew to wrap up inside.  We waved as they went off for their 30 second drive back to quarters.  And she was content.  Her Daddy did NOT blow her off.  Life was good again.

But, the funniest part of this whole situation, the FFs.  I would LOVE to have my husband at 38.  30 second drive to work, we could stop by and say hello with treats.  But one of the FFs quickly interjected after our introductions, "He needs to be glad he is downtown and NOT out here."   Guess that is the difference between FFs and their wives.  He might be bored out here, but I would sleep so much more soundly!

Happy Monday!

******  4/15/11 *****
Just a side note as to how small the MFD is, even with nearly 1,000 people among their ranks...  The firefighter whom I did not know , who told me my hubby should be glad he was NOT at 38, was on a med unit that stopped by J's house last night to gas up.  We also stopped by at the same time to pick up some keys my FF needed to get dropped off to a former co-worker.  Very weird.  Can't imagine what went through my FF's head when he told him that he met his wife on Monday.  Good thing I told him about O's response; it could have been a bit awkward.  The fire world is a small world indeed!  :D


I hope the sun is shining where you are, as brightly as it is into my classroom windows right now!  I just home we don't end up in Oz with the winds we are expecting on our way home this afternoon.  Happy Friday!  

The Secret Password

Now, I know I have been critical of the traditions and rituals when it comes to cubs.  The flour and water seems so silly to me.  Makes no sense and perhaps, it simply never will.  I guess that is okay with me.  I don't know if "E2 on the Blue" club has a password or a secret knock.  I don't know if they shared it with J, or not, yet.  But he has seen the inside of the clubhouse now.

One of the guys has taken J under his wing, a bit, throughout this whole process.  Which is rather ironic - from the outside looking in, as he is probably the most outwardly immature guy on the crew!  :D  He, too has a heart of gold, but unlike J, his mouth has NO filter.  What he thinks, he says.  At the Falcon's game it made me laugh, but his wife cringe.  Anyway, J's personal time - to study and workout, doesn't begin until after popcorn is made and the other guys are settled in to their recliners - 8/9pm.  He is not a 21 year-old spring chick and does not seem to find a way to get to both.  So, one of the guys asked the Lt. if my FF could study in the afternoon and workout when they workout.  What an awesome gesture!

We are going out on St. Paddy's Day and now I have a crew of FFs to hangout with.  We got invited to go along with them.  The cub on the truck, no one has done anything for.   Even at the football party, you could see he was on the outside. J could call everyone by their first name, the other cub was not afforded such luxury.  I feel bad for him, but at the same time, I am so glad to see that the work J has put into this has been recognized.  J has a heart of gold and a work ethic to match.  He knows when to keep his mouth shut (better than I do!) and when/how to speak up.  I am so happy for my husband.  He is becoming one of the guys.  Now, I can breathe a little deeper.  He is one of them and they will do whatever is in their power, no matter what, to make sure he comes home to me.  For that, I will forever be grateful.

And he is happy.  Is there anything else I could ask for?

Says it all, doncha think?