Hi! I'm new! Could use some support...
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Hi! I'm new! Could use some support...
| Tue, 01-11-2011 - 10:15am |
Hi All! My name is Chelsea. I'm 23 and engaged to a wonderful man who is starting at the firefighter academy today.
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I don't have too much time to answer right now but wanted to tell you the most important thing for you to do, and to do quickly, is to get in contact with the other girlfriends/wives in your SOs academy. They are going through exactly what you are and they will be the best firm of support for you. Your newfound family. Ask your SO to get you some names, emails, phone numbers asap!!!
I have been where you are and you're right - it's only a year. Remember that when you're down. A career of 30 years.....one year isn't much to sacrifice for this wonderful life we lead ;). Of course it's not a great year - but it's doable if you find yourself the right support system. And they are right there with you, you just need to reach out to them. Chances are they are feeling the same as you.
Hope this helps some. I'll try to post more later.
You are right, it is a very crazy year, that training, and it's hard to go through all alone. DH and I were not together while he was in academy, but since he was a "seasonal" firefighter until 3 years ago, we always had that unsettled, crazy, gone for weeks at a time schedule. It was lonely, even though we live in my hometown. Nobody I knew lived a life like ours, and I wished for friends who had experienced what I was going through.
I hope you take Jami's advice and get in touch with the other Fire-Women at the academy. They will be an invaluable source of info and advice, and oftentimes there are women who have been there-done that and function as mentors for the newbies. You'll get a whole new family out of this, and many times, the fire family comes through when blood does not. It's a tight bond, and one that I wouldn't give up for anything.
Congratulations to you both, and welcome to the board!