As you know, there are those few friends you meet in this military life that are just perfect in your life. They were there at the right time, right place. They are the friends you’ll have for the next 20 years. The ones you’ll refer to as your military family. A month (or six) may pass, but the minute you pick up the phone, you start exactly where you left off. In a life style that is so transient, these friends feel like roots. My friends are my roots. I need them and I miss them terribly.
I’ve made a handful of friendships, real friendships. I feel so lucky in many ways. And as the years at assignments progress, I look forward to making memories and truly belly laughing with old friends and new ones. There are even a few friends at this new assignment that are “growing roots” with me as you read this.
As I watch Abby play another hour of animal hospital with Amelia while on my iPhone, (they have matching outfits), I am struck by the notion that my daughter feels the same way as I do. Amelia is a part of her roots, though tiny and small, they are still strong. She’s nurturing her friendships, just like a military spouse does. It’s a mirror image; one that gives me pause and makes me smile. Like mother, like daughter.
So, have as much screen time as you want, kids! I’ve made a resolution this year to allow my children as much screen time as they need to reconnect with their friends. If I need it, then they must need it, too. I want them to make new friends, grow new roots, but take care of their old ones, too – just like their mom does. As the saying goes, “Bloom where you are planted.” – but I’ll add, “Don’t forget where you’ve been.
