I've seen a lot of these posts floating around the blog world and they have all made me think; if I had to choose one word to inspire me throughout this year, what would it be?
I had tossed a few around and then stumbled upon my friend Katie's blog, and read her emotional story of her much awaited pregnancy and the struggles she's been having with it. She chose the word, Surrender.
I complain about the Army; a lot. Complain might be an understatement. I hate the Army. I truly do. I hate it for taking my husband away. I hate it for the stress it causes me. I hate it for the way he is treated. I hate that it has taken us away from our families back home. I hate deployments and worry I will have to do another one, and I hate that I can't control my own life.
So this is where it ends. It causes me too much stress worrying about things I can't control and worrying about "what might be." This is my life for the next 3 or so years and I have to accept it.
So my word, is accept.
It's hard to look at the positives when I feel like I'm surrounded by negatives, but there are a few... It's time for me to start accepting this lifestyle and embracing it. If nothing else, I need to tolerate it and deal with it.
There's not a day that goes by that I'm not proud of my soldier. Do I wish he would have done things differently? Maybe. However, the past cannot be changed and he sacrifices so much everyday so that our family and families around the country can have the freedoms and luxuries we do.
It's time for me to sacrifice a little now too.
I have to accept that he may deploy again. It will rip me apart if that becomes the case but I don't have a choice and I have to accept that. I have to prepare for it and the more I stress and worry about the possibility of it, the worse off I'm going to be.
I have an amazing support system; between family, friends, a military community and now, the blogging community.
I have no doubt in my mind that whatever happens, you all will be there with me 110%, supporting Bubba and myself on the home front.
So here's to accepting what may be and embracing it for the next 3 or so years. I'm going to need a reminder once in awhile but I know the Big Guy has a plan and is watching over us. He's already proved that to me many a times.
What is your one word for 2013?
Great post!
ReplyDeleteand it's so true. If I were to pick a word, accept would be it as well.
Accept that my Airman will be in for another 18 years..
If I accept it, does it mean I have to like it? Lord, I hope not!
I love this post! I sheepishly feel the same way sometimes. "Why can't Dane be at home with me?" "What happens if he has to deploy again?" I'm glad I'm not alone, but you're right..it's no way to live. I think this is a great new positive attitude to have..love it!
ReplyDeleteGreat post friend - these worries keep me up at night because I hate not knowing....
ReplyDeleteBut that's the Army for you so I sit and pray and hope nothing bad comes our way before we can get out <3
Great post! As a vet and Army wife, I have the rare outlook as to what it's like on both sides. Since I have that dual view, I sometimes forget that not all wives were in and haven't adjusted to the lifestyle as easily or quickly as I have. So thank you for reminding me of that!
ReplyDeleteWith that being said, this lifestyle is definitely not for the faint of heart. My husband has already done two deployments and is staring a third one in the face. Through these deployments, I have raised two children under the age of 5 on my own, while going to college full time and taking care of a house riddled with problems. I could have let him deploying be a negative thing, but it's not. He's doing a job he loves and how can I argue with that?
If there is one piece of advice that I could give to new military wives or even ones that have been in the 'silent ranks' for a while, is this: Don't worry over when he's deploying next. Focus in the now because if you don't, you're just robbing each other of time that could be spent making happy memories. Memories that he will use to get him through a rough day or a sleepless night. Memories that you will use when you stay up late at night worrying about his safety. So please, don't worry about him deploying. Worry about not making enough happy and good memories while he's here!
I hope I didn't offend you or anyone else, I just see too many wives out there who hate the Army and completely exclude themselves from the community.
Hello! I'm a new follower from the GFC hop. The name of your blog is very creative. I love it. I was a military wife too. My hunny just got out of the Navy. Being a military wife is not for the weak.
ReplyDelete-Kacie @ mommaexperience.blogspot.com
This was beautiful hun! I'm praying for your strength through all of this. I've always said I can totally see why soldiers' wives were so respected back in the day. It really takes an exceptional kind of woman to be married to a soldier/sailor/marine, etc.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Great post and good attitude to start the new year! If you ever have times when you can't accept everything and need to chat though... I'm hear!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Abby
accidentalrealhousewifeofdublin.blogspot.com
Hi! I am popping over from the Wii giveaway, I'm one of the other sponsors. Just checking out everyone's awesome blogs, and making sure I'm following everyone (a few I was already). :) So, consider yourself followed.
ReplyDeleteI also want to take a second and say, thank you for this heartfelt post. I cannot imagine what it would be like, married to someone in the military. Thank you for the sacrifice you, as a spouse, make for our country as well. I have the utmost respect for you.
xoxo,
Gayle | Grace for Gayle
Great word! I wish you luck! My husband got out of the Air Force before we even met, so I have never had to experience military life, but I can't imagine.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post. I'm constantly worrying about similar things but I can't imagine if long-distance was also added to that list. You're a strong woman and I think I needed to be reminded that it's out our control. These are the professions our partners chose and they're doing something heroic. (:
ReplyDeleteThis seriously brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for doing something I'm not sure I'm strong enough to do myself. Thank you to your husband for serving our country and people like me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with Katherine's corner
Erica
We Three Crabs
http://ericabarker.com
Thank you for the sacrifice you and your family are making on our behalf. It is very much appreciated. My son served in the Navy. May blessings fall like rain on you.
ReplyDeleteAcceptance is a challenge for a military spouse. I love this post. Thank you for sharing at the hop xo
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