Military spouse – Page 3

Taking care of me: 3 ways to create a self-care routine

Wife. Momma. Educator. Friend. Volunteer. Are you like me? Life is busy, and my list could go on and on of all the ways that I pour out into others. Most days I don’t even give much thought to how what I am doing for others impacts me because I enjoy what I do and it is fulfilling. That is until I find myself running on fumes. Immediately, I start to notice my conversation and tone are short, and my patience is thin. All of this happens when I fail to take care of me in the process of tak[...]

faith, Motherhood

In the face of doubt: A mother’s miracle

Cries. No sound compared. He was here. Breathing. Moving. Crying. Our blessing. It didn’t seem so long ago we were sitting at the doctor’s office listening to their doubts of his survival. Cradled in my hubby's arm, I listened as they tried to prepare me. The doctor began explaining the risks and possible problems we might endure, ultimately expecting me to miscarry. Fear gripped my heart while tears began to flow freely from my eyes. My mind replayed the doctor’s words—“low chance of survival�[...]

Marriage, Military life

Serving at home: 3 ways to be a friend to a military spouse

Being a military wife is a special calling and some days are tough. For the last 13 years, I have stood by my husband’s side while he has proudly served our country in the United States Navy. In those years, we have often spent more holidays, birthdays and anniversaries apart than we have together. We have moved far away from family and said goodbye to friends one too many times. While he leaves to serve on deployment, I serve at home. Whether it’s deployments, school, or training, shifting the responsi[...]

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[...]