4. TV
Um, hello. Football or other sports I don’t care about won’t be on my screen.
5. Shopping, anyone?
If you’re alone, your ‘festivities’ will be over when you want them to be. Indulge in some online specials or get out to the stores early if that’s your thing.
6. I won’t forget.
Even when our military days are behind us, I don’t think I’ll ever forget what it’s like to be alone over a holiday. I pray I’ll always remember to include others in our big family gatherings because I know how it feels to be forgotten and uninvited.
7. It’s taught me how to cope when things don’t go as planned.
This may be my theme as a military spouse— “It didn’t go as planned.” I should embroider that on a pillow! It’s easy to feel resentment when you see other families together and having a picture perfect holiday when yours is anything but. It may seem unfair that your spouse is gone again when others are seemingly always home. But here’s the thing—using your coping and creative skills during hard times strengthens them, leaving you that much better equipped for the future. And that, my friend, is a gift.
If you’re alone this Thanksgiving, I lift my plate of turkey and pie to you and only wish you all the best. I promise you’re not forgotten.
