For almost six years, my firefighting crew—Mateo, Idris, and I—have been through everything together. We even found out we were all becoming dads within months of each other. Our kids arrived within 24 hours, in the same hospital, with our partners in neighboring rooms. It felt like a perfect moment, until I received a text from Callie, Mateo’s girlfriend, asking to talk alone.
She confessed that months ago, during a warehouse fire, she lied to Mateo about a potential issue at the station. There was a timeline error that could’ve led to trouble, but it was covered up. She hadn’t told Mateo because she didn’t want to worry him, but now she felt guilty and wanted help to come clean.
I reassured her, and later, she told Mateo. He was initially shocked, but then he showed empathy, holding her and comforting her. The situation didn’t destroy our friendships; it actually brought us closer. It reminded me that honesty, connection, and forgiveness are key, especially as we start our journeys as fathers.
The lesson? Lean into tough conversations, because sometimes, they bring you closer together. Life’s messy, but that’s what makes it beautiful.