It's been many days that I have been trying to collect my thoughts about this post.
My husband is a Captain in the San Antonio Fire Department. He was called up to start up the shelters at PORT SA here on the south side of San Antonio about 9/4/08. The first 10 days he worked (7 days a week) a 24 hr shift and had 12 hrs off (in which to eat and sleep) which was REALLY hard on my boys and myself (now I was trying to play all roles around here). So, the boys and I were able to see him (bleary eyed, horizontal in bed) for just a little bit of time every day. The storm by this time had come and went.
He talked about standing in his steel toed boots for 24 hours (no sleeping like at the fire house), the command phone ringing a minimum of 200 calls a shift, EVERYONE in his midst needing something different. For days he was on a search for baby formula, diapers, baby bottles and a microwave (which he stole out of the fire fighters break room) to have for the Mom's in the shelter to warm up the babies formula. See everything just wasn't there, it had to be ORDERED. So, they (evacuee's) would go for days without while the order was ON IT'S WAY. I guess it was his job to explain to these people (that had been in the same clothes for days) why the orders were not here yet. As you can image, exhausting.
About a week ago they changed his shift to be 12 hours on and 12 hours off, 7 days a week. So, at least there was some reprieve. But still 12 hrs to sleep, eat, and do his uniform washing routine (not an ounce of anything else). I have been amazed at his resilient nature and to still be in control of his emotions and duties of what needs to get done in order to help these people. The tasks are daunting.
He has had to help locate lost Grandmas, a lost 5 year old boy, lost siblings. These people walk in (some with no shoes on) with plastic bags of whatever was their life in it. Can you image if one of these precious trash bags was lost?
Then there was the day that some kids came up to him and mentioned that they had been looking for their Dad all day long, so the search went on. Only to find that he had died in a port a potty. Last night a 17 year old boy left the shelter to walk to Wal Mart (down the street from shelter) and while he was gone his family packed up and LEFT the shelter to check into a hotel AND NEVER CAME BACK FOR HIM! (not sure how this story ended, the last bit was the kid was hysterical and crying). So, the emotional turmoil of the lives that have been temporarily (?) broken from the storm goes on.
Today is his 14th day of working at the shelters. Now by this point I am exhausted (remember I'm NOT the one working the shelters)...but keeping the home-front in order (well, at least trying to). There has been dinner to cook, boys to get to school (on time), lunches made, homework done, grass to cut, cookies to bake (for the Fire Fighters working), special school projects (we are talking post board stuff) and algebra to do! There is a new schedule around this house also...leave right after my car pool duties straight to work (I drive with the windows down to dry my hair..hey, it saves time), be home by 4p.m. so I can get the boys, wake up my husband, fix dinner, send him out the door to the shelter.
Oh, did I mention that I need to work in between all of these duties and try to sell a house or two? I guess I'm am realizing just how much my husband HELPS ME with all of these details. So, life as I knew it before Ike has changed also...so much that I found myself crying on the front porch late last night (not out of pity, just pressure).
Everything on the media here in SA is about the bad that is going on with the shelter. Of course they only interview the evacuee's that feel that they have lost their rights while being in the shelters, that were told they could pick up their FEMA checks here (which is so not true), the people that are so pissed off that got arrested while being in the shelters for conduct or disruption. But, I do know for a fact that there have been many, many people that are gracious and thankful and appreciative of what has been allowed for them at the shelters. Of course you haven't seen one of these stories on the news, huh?
The night time in a strange place sometimes brings people together. There have been little old ladies that have hugged and thanked my husband. The confused elderly that he has helped them find their cots in the dark. The little lady that talked at length with my husband about what she has lost, how she has no family, no house and thanked him for "saving her". The little girl that knows that a man in uniform will hold her hand tightly and make her feel safe for a moment.
I tell you this story not because of what has happened to my little life recently, but what has happened to many. For my husband and ALL of the volunteers that are trying to make a difference. For my husband who has not complained once about his sore feet (I only found out because I watched him walk so funny from the pain), loss of sleep, loss of time with his family, personal time, nothing. No complaints. The only negative comment that he has said about this situation is "it's just so sad" and then he finished his sentence off with "we are so blessed".
Note from the Author: I have seen many times on AR how some words can be taken differently based on our own personal perceptions...keep in mind this post was not written with a "poor me" attitude. If you have perceived this in some way...you are mistaken. I am only trying to give you my perception in a difficult time.
Serving the needs of Agents, Buyer's and Seller's for over 22 years.
Sheila Moran, Broker/Owner
RE/MAX ACCESS
19115 FM 2252, Ste. 7
Garden Ridge, Texas 78266
210-657-7500 / 210-325-6962
SMS - Wow. Brian already was a super-hero in my book, sounds like he is in many other peoples lives he has met recently. Not because they wanted to meet but because they had to. Fantastic pictures. Good post. KM
Wow Sheila, I almost cried reading this. Your husband (as well as so many others that are helping) is amazing. My hat's off to him and I didn't get that you were giving a "poor me" spill at all. It sounds like you were just appreciating the time he is there with you.
I can't get over the 17 year old boy that walked to Wal-Mart. His family just left? I don't understand! How could someone do that? I have a 16 year old son (who also wants to be a firefighter) but couldn't for the life of me imagine how I could leave without him!!!!!
Sheila- this is an amazing eye opener. Sadly the media in the East has lost interest in the plights of the South. We are not getting any of these updates. Keep posting- tell us how you are doing.
Sheila, What a wonderful job your husband and so many others are doing. You too, keeping the household going allows him to do the things he needs to do. It is so tragic what has happened in so many lives due to Hurricane Ike. There are many stories that don't get told but thank you for these. We know there is heroism in day to day duties and volunteerism. All of you are in our prayers. The work just begins when the weather settles down.
Thank you for posting. It brought tears to my eyes. God bless your husband and his efforts. Let him know we ALL appreciate him.
You and your family are on the top of my prayer list.
K-Super-hero you are right!
Cristal-Oh, no tears. Yes, I'm not sure about the Wal-Mart kid...I cant' even image.
Ellie-I'm guessing up there it's turned into old news, huh? Will keep you posted. thanks.
Ricki-you are correct...thanks
Melody-I'll take all the prayers I can get right now...thanks.
Howdy Sheila
Your post did not read with a poor me attitude at all. I take my hat off to your family!
Tell your husband this here miss placed Missourian, sends him a pat on the back. I have family over in Deer Park.
Your family, and all the folk's needing to stay at the shelers are in my prayers!
God Bless the Grand State of Texas!
Just re-read. Loved it more the 2nd time around. KM
Sheila, what an outstanding post. Please keep us updated on what is going on. There is so much we do not know on my end. I am very proud of all of those people working to help those displaced families. Warmest regards to your hubby. Enjoy your evening, sweetie. C. :-)
Hi Shelia,
My Brother-inlaw is a first responder both as a Fireman and Paramedic in the DFW area so I understand some of what you speak. Not sure if he went to the gulf coast because I have no less than 30 family members in the Houston area, except for my father I have not been able to speak with any of them though I have gotten a couple of text messages from one family member who is still without power.
So, no you aren't taking a "poor me" approach. It's how you see things, from the prespective, of a wife of one of many First Responders/Fireman.
Take Care and all the best to you and yours.
Paul
Dale-you know the Texas doors are always open?
K- I love you!
C- I have heard from a few agents that not much else has been said...too bad:) It's a mess in Houston (still no electricity as of yesterday in some areas).
Paul-So, you understand. Thank you. Yesterday, Perry Homes (out of Houston) had a luncheon for their top agents in the SA area and my sister and I went. The marketing group had flown in from Houston and said that the Perry Headquarters was still running on generators and they all personally did not have electricity...wondering when someone is going to turn the lights on?
Wow, after reading the comments related to Hurricane Ike posted by my wife and then by all of her blogger friends, I had to reply. First and most importantly, to my absolutely amazing and loving wife. Thank you for being strong and tireless during this trying time for our family. You truly never cease to amaze me with your unending devotion and your spirit. I look forward to taking my "shelter" in your arms after a long night here in the Evacuee shelter.
To all of the bloggers,(not sure what to call ya'll), thanks for the words of appreciation. It really means alot to me to hear your words of encouragement. I can tell you that the dedicated men and women of the San Antonio Fire Department that I have the honor of serving with, do not consider ourselves heroes. It is the everyday Americans that volunteer thier time and thier own resources to help total strangers that are in need- those are the true heroes.
Sheila: Best to your and your husband. We are blessed to have people like him who care enough to go through the pain to help others in need. We are praying for you and the folks whose lives have been up rooted in this trajedy!
Sheila, we are so very grateful for public servants like your husband. Words cannot begin to acknowledge the sacrifices you make to have someone so generous as a husband. Thanks!
Husband- :)
Steve- My prayers are there too!
Kathi- I just read your post....I thought I had something to share...nothing compared to what you are going through...my thoughts and prayers are with you guys!
Unless you have lived through a nightmare like this, there is no way to completely grasp just how difficult and stressful it is. I understand, and I will be praying for your family. GBU!
Sheila-Such an incredible story. A big Thank You to your husband,the other firefighters and the other volunteers who are doing their best to make this nightmare a little better for all involved.
Joe
Sheila - great story about a great guy and family. This post should go to All About Them-Them. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your husband and the people of Galveston.
Elizabeth- I see you everywhere now! Thanks for the prayers, for everyone!
Joe-Thanks, I know he will appreciate it!
Mike-Guess I need to check out them-them. Thanks so much.
A true American Hero! Thank you for sharing your husband with us and your story. So many people are affected by these disasters - the media doesn't give credit to you and your boys. My prayers are with all of you.