I'm married to a F.O.O.L.

And by that, I mean that I'm married to a member of the Fraternal Order Of Leatherheads Society. And if you think I'm being derogatory by calling my husband a Leatherhead, I would never do such a thing. It's actually a term for a firefighter, since helmets used to be (and might still be) made of leather.

So what's it like being married to a fireman? I'm not gonna lie, there are times I wonder if he loves me or fire more. (Ok, kidding. Of course he loves me more. Or at least that's the way he better answer when asked.) Planning holidays is a bit tricky. Planning anything is a bit tricky because every 3rd day, he's out of commission for 24 hours. And I haven't yet figured out why severe storms only move through when he's on shift. Every third day, I'm a single parent. Every third day I sleep with all the lights on in the house. Every third day, the kitchen counter stays clean & neat. And every third day, my husband goes to a job that he loves. I know I give him a hard time, but really... I am proud of my husband's profession, his work ethic, his enthusiasm. This is what my son will grow up watching.

Plus, it's just fascinating. The training, the science, the brotherhood. It's a perfect fit for Jeremy and he's a perfect fit for me. Here's a look at Mr. Jones in action. (That's him on the ladder.)

I often get asked if I get nervous when he goes on calls. And I want to say, "Well, if you make me think about it... yeah." But generally, no. They train well and they're smart. And Lewisville doesn't have any highrises. (And yes, I cry when I watch Ladder 49.)

After a fire 09.06.2011

 

09.06.2011

And then, of course, there's the other side of firefighting: tradition. So many things, I won't venture to name them all here. But one of Jeremy's faves is the Pipes & Drums band. When I married him, I didn't think he hand an inkling of musicality. But he proved if you work hard enough, you can play the tenor drum & march all while wearing a skirt. (Just don't ask him to chew gum too.) Here he is in his kilt.

9/11 Memorial Service

And here we are trying to start the tradition early.

Cutler's first trip to the station