The summer months can bring lots of changes for military families, whether it’s a PCS or a vacation to a different city. As I’m writing this, my husband and I are in Virginia for his retirement ceremony!

He chose Virginia because it’s where he went to college, served in the National Guard, and commissioned, so it made sense to end his military career in the same place it began. After so many years of moving and not really knowing what’s next, it feels a little bit strange to know all of that is coming to an end very soon.

We recently made one more move to New Mexico, and in the fall my husband will start grad school and then begin his transition into the civilian work force.

I am still trying to find my place in our new state, and am looking forward to finally putting down roots and finding a community. 

I am from Virginia and spent almost my whole life here before I met my husband, so it’s been nice to be in a familiar place while we officially start the transition from military life into a new phase of life after active duty.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend time with friends and family who are coming to my husband’s retirement ceremony, and to get to visit some favorite places after being away from Virginia for the past few years.

It’s comforting to have those constants of a place that feels like home and people who have always been there for my husband and I, as we’re experiencing a big life change.

This retirement ceremony is pretty much our big summer event; for the rest of the summer, we’ll probably just be settling in to our new home and relaxing, but are planning some trips with friends later this year. 

I still feel the sense of uncertainty military life has always brought, but I’m reminding myself that my husband and I are in charge of where we live now, instead of the military telling us where home is going to be.

Over the years I’ve gotten a little more used to moving every couple of years and having to start all over again, but it’s definitely a relief to know that those days are behind me now.

I still have to do all the usual PCS things like finding a new doctor, finding my way to the grocery store and everywhere else I need to go, and making new friends, but knowing that this will be the last time I’ll have to do those things makes them all a little bit easier.

During my time as a military spouse, I’ve never fully given myself credit for the resilience I’ve built over the years, but military life really is a challenging lifestyle that takes a lot of strength!

For any other spouses who are transitioning out of the military this summer, congratulations to you and your spouse and I hope you enjoy this new phase of life!

And to my fellow spouses who are PCSing this summer, are making their way through deployment or finding a new job or any of the other challenges that military life brings………know that you are stronger than you probably realize and you have a community of other spouses who are here for you!

*For more from Heather, visit her M:M Author Page.