What I didn’t know before dating an EMT.
As silly as it sounds my boyfriend and I are two complete nut jobs, I’m a cook working long hours and he’s an EMT working even longer hours. When we first met I didn’t realize how much he’d mean to me, I honestly didn’t think I could love someone that much again. What I didn’t know was the sacrifices I’d make unlike other relationships I’ve had. His shifts run from 8am-12am or even later three times a week, when he gets done work he’s like a walking zombie and just wants to sleep. I don’t blame him for it, some nights I’m surprised he comes to bed in his pajamas. Even though I want to tell him what happens at work or how his day was I understand he sometimes doesn’t even want to talk about it. I never understood that some calls for him seriously affect his mood and his mental state. I didn’t know I’d be so concerned about a combative patient on his ambulance or a prison inmate in his ambulance. I didn’t know I’d be doing more to keep myself busy throughout the day. I didn’t know I’d be thinking about his and his partner’s safety more than my own on days they work together. I didn’t know there would be nights I’d be sleeping alone because a late night call came in just as he was about to leave. I didn’t know I’d be strong enough to hold both of us together. But what I come to understand is the new respect I have for our Fire/EMS, Police, Dispatch, Corrections and even our military. They walk a line for us that we never understand until we’re walking it with them. I understand there will be nights he comes home and work follows him because of a call that hits home. I understand that he will have his doubts about doing a job right. I now understand that he needs my support more than anything on this earth. Last but not least, I understand his role in life and what he was meant to do. I love my EMT and nothing will change that.