Surviving and Thriving: A Firefighter Wife's Journey through Life's Challenges

In this episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter,' Kristi Hilmer interviews her friend Heather, who shares her remarkable journey of integration into the first responder lifestyle. Heather talks about meeting her husband during EMT training, going through nursing school, and the challenges of blending families with eight children, including twins. They discuss their separation, subsequent divorce, and eventual reconciliation after deep self-reflection and coaching. Together, they now run 'Relationship CPR,' offering coaching to couples in high-stress jobs, emphasizing communication, self-understanding, and the importance of community support. The episode highlights the difficulties, triumphs, and transformations in first responder relationships, advocating the need for creating positive environments both at home and in the workplace.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

01:01 Meet Heather: A Journey into Healthcare and Family

02:07 Blending Families and Career Challenges

03:52 Navigating Parenthood and Career Transitions

06:38 Struggles and Separation

10:27 Reconciliation and Personal Growth

14:40 Balancing Independence and Partnership

19:31 Creating a Safe Space at Home

22:36 Personal Coaching Journey

24:32 Creating Relationship CPR

25:55 Challenges and Insights

27:09 Community and Support

28:49 Addressing Fire Service Issues

33:50 Resources and Outreach

34:49 Rapid Fire Questions

39:14 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Interested in chatting with Heather at Relationship CPR? Email relationshipcprstat@gmail.com and follow them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/relationshipcprstat

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/

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https://www.instagram.com/our.firstresponder.life/

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Balancing Firefighting and Law: Kerri's Family Story

In this episode of 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter', host Kristi Hilmer chats with Kerri, a Massachusetts-based attorney, about her unique life balancing a full-time law practice, raising kids, and being married to a fourth-generation firefighter. Kerri shares insights into their family dynamics, the challenges of step-family life, dealing with the anxieties of a first responder's dangerous job, and the importance of maintaining a personal identity outside the fire service. The conversation also explores Kerri's personal experiences during significant incidents like the Boston Marathon bombing and the practical routines they've developed over the years to manage stress and ensure family stability.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

01:00 Meet Carrie: Balancing Law, Family, and Firefighting

02:02 Family Dynamics and Busy Schedules

03:17 Online Dating and Becoming a Firefighter's Wife

04:38 Surprises and Challenges of Firefighter Life

06:39 The Boston Marathon Bombing Experience

09:45 Handling Anxiety and Communication

19:03 Starting a Law Practice and Managing Worst-Case Scenarios

21:45 Balancing Personal Identity with Firefighter Spouse Life

22:32 Maintaining Individuality in a Firefighter Family

24:31 The Impact of Firefighting on Family Dynamics

25:20 Encouraging Diverse Interests in Children

26:38 Firehouse Pranks and Family Humor

29:05 Understanding the Emotional Toll on Firefighters

32:40 Rapid Fire Questions: Fun and Favorites

35:07 Best Advice for Family Harmony

38:22 Connecting with the Speaker

39:54 Conclusion and Community Invitation

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/

Find me on IG
https://www.instagram.com/our.firstresponder.life/

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And of course, subscribe and share with all your friends!

Navigating Firefighter Life: Conversations with Firewives

Join Kristi Hilmer on 'Just a Girl and Her Firefighter' as she interviews fellow firewife Ashley. They share personal stories, discuss the challenges and surprises of life in the fire service, and emphasize the importance of community and support. Together, they explore how to maintain a strong relationship and a positive outlook while navigating the unique lifestyle of being married to a firefighter. Enjoy insights into practical strategies, mentorship, and the lighter side of firehouse gossip.

00:00 Welcome to Just a Girl and Her Firefighter

01:02 Meet Ashley: A Firewife's Journey

01:48 High School Sweethearts

02:41 The Car Accident That Changed Everything

04:41 From Banking to Firefighting

07:28 Fire Academy and Family Life

11:22 Surprises and Challenges in Fire Service Life

18:16 Balancing Family and Firefighter Life

19:02 The 'Who's More Tired' Game

19:34 Advice for New Firefighter Families

21:18 Understanding Love Languages

23:32 Firefighter Pranks and Surprises

26:16 The Cost of Firefighter Friendships

27:39 Navigating Firefighter Family Dynamics

30:58 Rapid Fire Questions

33:37 Conclusion and Community Invitation

Join our Community- The FireWife Community on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstresponderwife/

Find me on IG
https://www.instagram.com/our.firstresponder.life/

Snap a screenshot when you listen and tag us!!!!

And of course, subscribe and share with all your friends!