My husband’s career is his. He’s the one who fulfills the demands of his career. I do not take credit for his accomplishments. What I do take credit for is him being able to have a good family life while doing what he needs to do in the military. I’ve got my husband’s back so he doesn’t have to worry about home and family. I pick up the slack and he is able to give 100% because he knows I’ve got it handled at home. I want him to be able to achieve his goals and part of that is giving him the freedom to do so by not overwhelming him with things I can handle on my own.
I have seen people call military spouse life a sacrifice that is similar to a service member’s sacrifice. I don’t understand it. I married my husband because I love him. I am not doing what I do because of some sense of country or a greater purpose. I do what I do because I love my husband, I want to be with him and if that means that I have to deal with military spouse life, then so be it. When my husband, then fiance, first told me that he wanted to return to active duty I told him that I would follow where ever he went. I have done so and I haven’t regretted it.
I don’t hate the military. I have intense pride and respect for our country’s military and it’s not unusual to see me get teary eyed during a patriotic song. I am involved in my military community through volunteering and I participate in my husband’s unit’s family readiness program. I constantly ask my husband questions about how things work so I can understand what he is talking about when he uses me as a sounding board at the end of the day. I appreciate the benefits provided on the base and I utilize them.
I am thankful for the experiences that military life has made possible. I have met some wonderful people and I have gotten to live in several different states. I have a good life. I know, without a doubt, that my experiences as a military spouse have contributed to my positive growth and have broadened my view of the world around me. Even though I have been frequently challenged, I am thankful for everything good the military community has brought into my life.
