Last night I worked late and missed our usual early morning phone calls on my husbands breaks. I finally got some sleep, but around noon I woke up in a straight panic.
No bad dream.
No phone call.
No reason I could explain.
I just woke up with that overwhelming feeling that something wasn't right.
So I immediately called my husband.
Straight to voicemail.
That never happens.
Trying not to panic, I got on Facebook to handle some overdue business. The very first thing I saw was a news article about a lineman who had been electrocuted and flown to the burn unit... in the same county my husband works, at a location he had been at just days before.
My stomach instantly dropped.
I called again.
Voicemail.
Again.
Voicemail.
Thirteen calls.
Every single one went straight to voicemail.
Then Life360 wouldn't update.
At that point, every worst-case scenario was running through my head.
Through tears, I called my husband's supervisor. He was struggling too. We talked, I cried, and tried to process what had happened. He assured me it wasn't my husband, but until I saw him with my own eyes, I just couldn't shake the fear.
Then, while I was still on the phone with my husbands supervisor (who is also a long time friend) , I looked up and saw my husband's truck pulling into the driveway.
I don't remember how the conversation ended with my husband’s supervisor or what was even said cuz I was in shock and just blanked out once I seen my husband.
I don't remember much after that.
I just remember the feeling of finally being able to breathe again.
Today my husband came home.
Another family's loved one didn't.
Please keep this lineman, his family, his coworkers, and the entire yard in your prayers. These men leave for work every day doing a job most people couldn't imagine, and sometimes the unthinkable happens.
Hug your people a little tighter tonight. Tomorrow is never promised. ❤️
As someone who has had close family members working in essential but dangerous trades like electrical linemen, I deeply relate to the anxiety and helplessness described here. The fear that creeps in when communication suddenly stops is overwhelming, especially when news reports confirm accidents at locations familiar to your loved one's work. The reliance on apps like Life360, phone calls, and supervisor contacts to track their safety is vivid and a lifeline in moments of panic. Electrical linemen perform a vital public service, often working in high-risk environments such as live power lines and during extreme weather conditions. Their job requires not only specialized skills but also courage, as they face hazards including electrocution, falls, and severe burns. Community support and awareness about these risks are so important, as is the need for employer safety protocols and emergency response readiness. Beyond the physical dangers, the emotional burden carried by linemen and their families is immense. The story shares a relatable moment of joy and relief when the spouse sees her husband’s truck returning home—moments that emphasize how precious everyday normalcy is. It reminds us all to cherish our loved ones and support those in such high-risk professions. If you know someone working as a lineman or in similar fields, reaching out with a supportive message or gesture can mean a lot. Communities can also advocate for enhanced safety measures and resources for linemen. Finally, on a personal level, this story encourages us to ‘hug your people a little tighter’—a powerful reminder that tomorrow is never promised, and the small acts of appreciation and connection make a significant difference.