As we near the PCS season, it brings a lot of emotions in relation to the future, and sometimes, that includes a little lamenting:

Waiting on orders to move . . . again. 

Watching out and protecting our children’s emotional and mental health. 

Trying not to resent the anxieties that accompany our military lifestyle. 

Mourning friends that are family when they’re ripped away every few years. 

Uprooting our children and wearing a smile that everything is going to be great. 

Masking and suppressing our feelings of worry, doubt, and fear. 

Praying daily that our family will persevere and weather the challenges together, coming out stronger than before. 

Allowing ourselves grace to recognize that moving is hard. 

Lifting and assuring friends and family that we’re okay with moving, that this is the life we chose. 

Counting down the days until we don’t have to disrupt thriving where we are planted. 

Reevaluating values and grieving losses throughout the years. 

Hoping for new adventures and opportunities for our children. 

Lamenting the loss of friendships, relationships, and connections and trying to stay positive while breaking down inside. 

Realizing the military circle of life affords the wanderers of the world a safe place to forage meaning. 

Feeling as if the weight of the world depends on my strength and ability to manage. 

Realizing this won’t be the last.