Happy Memorial Day!

This post is dedicated to all the wives of the Armed Forces! You ladies are heroes along with your husbands. I cannot overlook the husbands who also waits! It's a misconception all Armed Forces personnel are men. Wives are on the front line as well. 

I'm a Retired Army Wife therefore, Army has a special place in my heart. My husband served 21 years in the United States Army! Being the spouse of an active or retired military personnel is never easy. The sacrifices are unimaginable at times. Therefore, you have to have a solid spiritual foundation to wait with the hope they will return. This Memorial Day was a reminder of those who never returned. We salute you and your families.Today I want to thank all the Armed Forces for their continued service and sacrifice. 

3 Things I Learned as an Army Wife

1. Spiritual Foundation

It is imperative to have a strong spiritual foundation. This foundation will support you during the difficult times. Meditation or prayer time will ease the discomfort of having a spouse involved in a combat or war. You will need spiritual guidance to assist with your children. Having conversations about war and/or conflicts can be a difficult task. I found that honesty was best with my children. Although they were small and could not comprehend war. They could understand daddy was keeping them safe. 

2. Support System

Family support was a crucial component to waiting without over worrying. I was fortunate to have natural family supports after the 9/11 attacks. Nowadays, most people do understand the constant fear and anxiety that follows these type of attacks. Something that military families are all too familiar with. Having family, friends and colleagues always lessen the burden of the unknown. 

3. Fantasy and Loss

We've talked about this many times before, however, this model helps with every situation. I was excited about getting married. I had no clue what to expect in a military marriage. Separation! I was not prepared for the constant separation from my husband. Over the course of 10 years, he was deployed over 4 times. The separation time was as short as 30 days to as long as 18 months.  I had to learn my own definition of marriage as it related to his service. The title of this post today is something I learned along the way. She who waits also serves! It is true spouses left behind have been tasked with making weapons in WWII to making potlucks for fallen soldiers families. The meaning of family is very important during deployment. You try to have a normal life, however, you understand at any moment that could change. You learn to have a new appreciation for life and how vulnerable you become during these periods of separation. Holding it all together comes with many sacrifices. Spiritual foundation, a strong support system, and understanding your spouse has a greater purpose will comfort you during stressful times.

I hope the nation will turn this holiday from commercialization to truly honoring our most precious gift...life. 

Thank you to all the Fallen!

Until next time...Love Someone.

-Ameshica