01/24/2026
My husband left this morning.
Not for just another day of workâbecause this one felt different.
The hug lingered a little longer.
The kiss goodbye held on tighter.
The air felt heavier, and my heart felt sadder as the door closed behind him.
Heâs supposed to be home this weekend.
Heâs supposed to be here with his family.
Heâs supposed to be making memories with us while the world outside freezes over in this ice storm.
But heâs not.
Why?
Because heâs helping others.
Heâll be the first calm voice you hear after your car slides into another on icy roads.
Heâll be the first voice you hear when a tree crashes into your home.
Heâll be the first voice you hear when fear takes over and you donât know what to do next.
My husband left this morningânot for a normal 12-hour shift.
I had to prepare my heart to not see him for at least five days.
To not feel safe again like I always do the moment he walks through the door.
To not feel his warmth beside me at night.
I know he was made for this job. I know itâs part of who he is.
But there are daysâlike todayâwhen I wish I could be selfish and have him here with me instead.
To all the first responders, linemen, and DOT workers: please stay safe this weekend.
Your families are waiting, praying, and counting the days until youâre home again.
We see you.
We appreciate you.
And we want each of you to come home safelyâwhenever that may beđ¤