04/30/2021
I shared this on my personal page at the beginning of the month, but as the month comes to a close, I wanted to highlight it again on this page as well. It’s a big part of who am and what I do.
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April is the month we celebrate the military child. It is something near and dear to my heart, not only because of the tiny loves of my life, but also because it's the only life I have ever known. I'll admit I have found myself frustrated occasionally when hearing parents lament about the things their children may be missing in this lifestyle, because it's a life I have always loved.
So I would like to offer you a few of the things that I believe our children gain as they grow within this community we call the military:
They learn service and sacrifice. No matter the rank or branch of their Soldier, they will see what it means to serve their country, and to serve others. Often I forget just how small the percentage is of Americans who sign their name on the dotted line. Your children call these people Mom and Dad.
They learn strength and independence. Whether it is mom or dad who remains at home when their Soldier is training or deployed, your children see your strength when you take on all of those duties at home by yourself. They will learn self-reliance, and that they can do hard things.
They will learn the true meaning of community. They will see that sometimes life is hard, and that when it's hard, not only is it ok to rely on others, but it's imperative. I grew up watching my mother and her friends help each other without a second thought. Their example is why I never hesitate to call on my own "sister wives" when I need help. From you they will see that there is no weakness in getting help from those who care about you.
They will learn to bloom where they are planted, that home is wherever you happen to be. They will see, through your example, that whether you are somewhere for 6 months or 4 years, that you can always put down some roots and make the best of where the military sends you.
Yes, they will learn much earlier and more frequently than most, how to say goodbye to friends. With these goodbyes though, they will learn that you can not only maintain, but continue to grow friendships even if you no longer live in the same place. They will make friends that will last a lifetime.
They will experience different cultures and environments. Even if you never get stationed overseas, your military children will see more parts of the United States then most children. They will see different schools, different climates, different demographics. Their nomadic lifestyle gives them the opportunity to become individuals more open and accepting of those with different customs and belief systems.
They will see love. They will see that no matter how long their Soldier is gone, that when they return, the family comes together again, that the heart becomes whole.
So Mama, when you lay down at night and worry about the toll that this military life has on your babies, I ask you to think back to this list. I know it may be different from the way you grew up, but I promise, despite the hardships, goodbyes, and constant uncertainty, you have given them something wonderful. Your military brats will grow up to be amazing humans...adults who are resilient, and adaptable, and ready to take on whatever life gives them.
