Did you know… Mission: Milspouse published its 3000th blog post in 2023 and is still growing!
Passing the Torch
What does passing the torch mean to us as military spouses? For guest author Heather Barnhill, it means reflecting on what she would have needed all those years ago.
No, I’m Not Okay, Thank You Very Much
After about six years of being a milspouse, I just realized something today.
I don’t have to be okay.
This for me was a huge epiphany. My husband deployed in January, and I’ve been striving since then to carry on. You know, pay the bills, keep the house maintained, keep the yard neat, the vehicles maintained, nurture and teach our sons—and smile.
The Writing On The Wall
As I go about my day, I find comfort in my home, for my home is a connection to my husband. Yes, it is where my computer is, so I have my literal connection to my husband, but just as important are all the memories and reminders of him—us—that fill its walls and surround me.
When It Rains, It Pours
Something has been working on my mind for a while now.
I guess it’s been since Memorial Day, when we had our show on platitudes during the time of bereavement. We talked about what to say, what not to say, what not to do or do with Deborah Tainish and Mary Ellen Gizzie. It was a particularly difficult show as Tara was the first to admit. I know a few women who tuned out because it brought their fears closer than they needed.
I completely understand, but we’ve got to talk.
Now.
A Brief Exchange; A Deep Connection
Today, my sons and I went to the airport. My oldest was flying out to visit with family for a month. As we parked in the airport parking lot, we all noticed a soldier and his family. My sons were captivated.
“Look a soldier!” my 8 year old shouted.
“He looks like Dad!” my 10 year old added.
“Daddy!” my 2 year old cried.
“I bet he is on leave,” my 16 year old said.
We’re stationed at Fort Stewart. We see soldiers in and around post almost daily. Still, though, it is never “old hat” to my boys.
Footsteps at the Door
This poem beautifully depicts the myriad emotions that go along with being a milspouse.
The Breaking Point
Today we reached a breaking point.
First, let me say that I don’t normally blog about all this personal stuff because, quite frankly, it puts me in a very vulnerable position. I mean, I’m supposed to help you, right? Then, I think that if you know you aren’t alone and that other spouses go through the same thing, you’ll share, too, and we’ll all be stronger because we know there are others like us out there.
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