praise for military wives: the women behind the flag

I am not a military wife, nor do I envy the job.

I hope this does not come across as offensive, but marrying into the military life is a bit like, well, choosing to be a mother: it requires great patience, strength, and possibly a touch of insanity. Many military wives choose to take on both roles, making them a special kind of crazy (I say this with all the love in the world). It is one thing to become a military wife after your wedding day due to extenuating circumstances. It is a completely different beast to marry into the life knowingly.

I admire my military wife friends. They are some of the most beautiful and amazing women I know. I am in awe of their ability to be away from their husbands for such long periods of time. I cannot fathom this life. I miss my husband after he has a long day at work or an especially busy couple of weeks. But no matter how busy or hectic life is, he always crawls in bed next to me at the end of the night. I cannot imagine a life of days...weeks...months...years without him. A life of sorrowful goodbyes and joyous reunions.

Waiting for a change of orders. Waiting for someone shuffling papers behind a desk to decide my family's next step.

Afraid.

I admire these women with all my being. The grace and poise with which they accept their responsibility. Oh, I am sure they have their moments when they break down from the weight of the world. Don't we all? Life is challenging in so many ways, and it takes a special kind of woman to marry into this particular life.

These women show me that all women can be stronger than we give ourselves credit for. That women can handle the toughest situations with grace and love. That a woman can stand by the man she loves, even when that man is halfway across the globe. Now that, my friends, is a beautiful thing.

I'd like to say thank you to all of the military wives and families out there. But since I can't reach everyone I'll start with those of you who read this blog. You are amazing, beautiful, strong women. Even when you feel like you cannot possibly handle another moment of the challenges you face, always remember that God will never give you more than you can handle. Always hold His hand when your husband's hand is out of reach.

And always remember that, while civilians may not be able to empathize with your pain, fears, grief, we will always lend an ear to hear and a shoulder to cry on.

Thank you.

And to my fellow civilians...pass it on.