Dear Stranger,

You may look at me with three small children on my own and wonder why I look so disheveled. I’m holding their little hands and trying to navigate them through a new activity in a new building that I’ve only seen once. I look and feel every bit clueless, but I’m trying so hard to be brave so my children know to follow suit.

You may notice me at the grocery store with a baby in the cart. I’ve circled the same aisle five times. I just can’t seem find what I’m looking for.

I’m the person who uses GPS to find the location of my new home. I can’t remember how to get there.

I’m the parent you see every single week at school dropoff, and you wonder why I constantly park on the wrong side of the lot.

I’m the spouse you never see with their partner, and you may wonder if I even have one.

I’m the person who engages in conversation longer than most, even when I have no clue who you are.

I’m the person who desperately needs a friend. I’ll ask you where the best Mexican restaurant is or where the best outdoor playground is. You may be annoyed with my questions and my bright-eyed look of wonder.

I’m self-doubting, hopeful, confused, and learning all at the same time.

I smile at you as you pass by or at the school dropoff, or I talk your ear off every week at cheer practice.

I’m the person, the military spouse, the parent of three who is starting my life all over in a brand new state, brand new town.

Be gentle with me.

Sincerely, the New Person