Firefighters as Caregivers

 We as Firefighters are trained to handle most anything that comes our way , and with that comes the added stress of handling our own family's needs , esp when your spouse becomes ill . The journey I have been on since last October of 2013 has been a whirlwind experience , going from having my spouse being they had Stage 4 Brain Cancer to the Operation to recovery  to treatments and the ups and downs of dealing and becoming the go to guy.

We really have no idea what are spouse's do until it's too late , yeah I learned that one , taking over as the Main Provider to bill payer , to soccer Dad to house cleaner . Something to keep in mind is that this is as bad as PTSD in our line of work and you have to be willing to reach out for help , not the macho Firefighter that we all ... Believe me it's not easy , finding out that your spouse has x amount of time to live and trying to pull it together ..

The one constant has been my Brother and Sisters of the FOOLS and my secondary FD, my Primary Dept has just looked away and not rasied a hand to ask what we need. But I have become a better person and Believe me Brothers and Sisters out there who are dealing with this your not alone .. Reach out , Vent , Ask for that help , if you don't you will sink .....  Again Reach Out there are those who will be there believe me , all you have do is ask , I did and honestly it lifted a burden off me , not that we are out of the woods yet but we will get there no matter the outcome.

Three word have kept me Going KEEP THE FAITH,