I am a magnet for strangers who repeatedly make the following comment to me:

“Oh my, you sure have your hands full!”

Always polite, I grin and nod, but I also silently wonder what others must see when my boys and I walk in their direction. I understandably agree that seeing a woman carrying a baby on her hip while trying to keep hold of a mischievous toddler’s little hand looks tough, but throw in corralling a kindergartener to walk alongside the trio is a site to behold!

You can most certainly see this anywhere you go, especially at establishments that families frequent. I salute all families that have to undergo immense patience in common everyday tasks, like going to the post office, grocery shopping, or picking up your older school-age children from school!

If encouraged to engage in a conversation with a concerned observer, my reply always is:

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

If there is any piece of advice I’ve heeded about being a parent, it is to enjoy these young years, because they do not last long. We are so fortunate to have this experience in life with our children wanting, needing, even demanding our parental attention throughout their childhood.

In the military lifes, we often have no choice but to hold it down solo while our service member is away; however, we are not alone. We can lean on our family, friends, and neighbors for support. Although our service member is currently unable to physically help out now, I can relay the concerned comments of onlookers to him, and we get a good laugh at how comical the boys and I must look when they see us coming.

So, to the other military parents who are holding it down solo while your service members are gone, I salute you!