The Forest Ranger's Husband by Leigh Bale Interview

How exciting to have Matt Cutter, the hero from The Forest Ranger’s Husband, written by Leigh Bale, a November 2012 release from Love Inspired Romance .

1. Matt, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

Well, I’m a hotshot wildfire fighter. I work mostly on Type D (very large) wildfires. I love the thrill of planning strategies and putting out fires.

2. What do you do for fun?

I used to eat, drink and sleep my work. But recently, I discovered I have a five year-old son. You see, I left my wife to pursue my career as a hotshot. She soon found out she was expecting and didn’t tell me about it, because she didn’t want to use a baby to get me back. I wish she’d told me about my son. I wish I’d never left them in the first place. It took me a long time to figure out what my greatest priority in life is. Now I know. My family.

3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?

Forgiving myself, forgiving God, and apologizing to my family for things that I’d done. I lost one of my crewmen on a wildfire and almost died myself. For a long time, I suffered with survivor’s guilt. It took a lot of soul-searching, and the help of my estranged wife, to discover that God had a purpose for me. That he loves me. And that I wasn’t finished with my mission in life. Now, I never hesitate when I have an opportunity to be with my wife and son. They’re everything to me. Everything that matters.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

Losing my family. I walked away from them once. I lost them because I turned my back on them for my career. When I almost lost my life, I realized how fragile we all are. I realized what was most important. Family is all you get to take with you when you leave this life. That and yourself. I’ll do everything in my power to keep my family’s love. Because I want them forever.

5. What is the most important thing to you?

I think I answered that pretty well just above. Family is everything to me.

6. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

Sure! I read lots of books on the latest fire fighting techniques. In the old days, they fought wildfire by sticking a lone man up on a mountain with a shovel and telling him to build fire line. Now, we would never put someone alone out there. We have equipment, fire shelters, training, etc. Fire science is fascinating to me.

7. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’ve actually been working on that. You see, I was an adrenaline junkie at one time. Nothing was more important than my career as a hotshot wildfire fighter. I was self-absorbed and hurt the people who love me, and who I love most. I’ve been changing that around. Giving of myself to them. Putting their wants and needs above my own. And in doing so, I’ve learned there’s no greater joy in this life than service.

8. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

My son, Davie, keeps asking for a dog. I’m sure we’ll get one soon. Every kid ought to have a pet. As they feed and clean up after the pet, kids learn to work. They learn affection and kindness to animals. They learn respect for all God’s creatures. So yeah, we’re gonna get a dog. Just as soon as I can convince my wife that it’s a good thing to do. J

9. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

I like to go back to about 1920, when the U.S. Forest Service was first established. I’d like to be involved in those first wildfires and add my input to help find better ways to combat the loss of life and property. And I’d like to tell all those wildfire fighters thank you for their service to our country.