We call it the IF season.....

I've taught our kids that during the fire season months, we use IF a lot.

Can we go do a family day this weekend?  "IF Daddy doesn't leave for a fire"
Can we sit outside tonight and hang out by the fire pit?  "IF Daddy doesn't leave on a fire."
Will Daddy be able to go to Back-To-School night?  "IF he's not gone on a fire."
Can we go to breakfast on Dad's day off? "IF he's home"
Want to play a family game tomorrow night? "IF Daddy isn't gone on a fire."

We joke and say IF like it's a statement.  For non-fire families, they might be like "that stinks."  But as the years have gone by, being a wife and now mother living in this life, it's more of a surprise when Hubby is home at night, or gets his days off.  I usually expect a phone call during the day, saying they're leaving on a fire; more than him walking through the door at night.  Fire season takes it's toll on the family plans, and has changed things last minute but we've learned to be flexible.

That's why hugs & kisses are so important each morning when Daddy/Hubby heads out the door to work, we just don't know IF  he's coming home that night.

I count the days until the end of fire season, when he gets to stay home and use annual leave to be with us.  I love sitting next to him at night on the couch, or cuddle time.  I've learned to appreciate what we get, when we get it.  

Our kids are getting old enough to understand, that it's Daddy's job.  He would rather be home with us, playing games, family days or BBQing with us.  But we have to also know that our plans could change.  It's just the way this life in the Wildland Fire Service is!!

** Praying your hubby/boyfriend has had a safe season.  And that those of us carrying on the home front when they're gone are doing well, too **