Identity – Page 4 – Mamie L. Pack

Establishing Normal: 3 steps to creating a routine after change

Being a military wife and raising a large family, I need routine. Creating a routine makes sense to me. That is the only way I can make sure homework is done, date night happens, dinner is cooked, and everyone goes it to bed on time. Over the years, I have spent considerable time establishing routines that work for our family. But just when I have a system all worked out, change happens. There are times change is an unwelcomed visitor. We would make plans only to have them altered by people and situations out[...]

Feature, Identity, Purpose

Pressing Pause: Celebrating my 39th birthday

It’s my birthday ya’ll. Today I turn 39. Whoa! Even though I have moments I am amazed I am almost 40, my body definitely reminds me that this is indeed a fact. From the couple of patches of gray hair that peak out at around my temple to seeing wrinkles around my eyes when I smile, I am thankful I have been given the gift of growing older. Normally, one of my birthday traditions has been to write out my prayers, hopes, and goals for the next year. I embrace all that the next year has ahead of me. Bu[...]

Identity

Thank you for your service

I have spent most of my life directly impacted by those who choose to willingly and bravely serve our country. From watching my mother serve to walking this life with my husband who serves, the journey is not always easy. There are missed birthdays, anniversaries, and first days of school. There are letters, care packages, and hopes of a phone call. There are more goodbyes and nights alone than most realize. There is also a strength you didn't know you had. There is an appreciation for the quality of the mo[...]

Identity, Military life

Deployment Strong

Knowing for months my hubby would leave for deployment in January left my heart grappling to accept this reality. I didn’t want to be deployment strong. I wanted him home-everyday and always. But that was not the life I knew we would have when I became his wife 13 years ago. Instead, our lives would temporarily become months of waiting for emails and care packages, anticipating the next phone call, hoping for a video chat, and praying for a safe return. Those months knowing that the deployment was on the h[...]