Over the last 4 years that I have been married to a soldier, I have often been asked this question from friends: "How can you live that life, constantly moving, being away from family and your husband being sent to war zones?"
My answer is simple: I love my husband and I 100% support his decision to be in the Army.
I have lost many friends because they just don't get this life. Every time I come back home to Vegas I really have no one to hang out with besides family (that's not a bad thing), because I moved away and when I would try to stay in contact it wasn't reciprocated. I wouldn't trade this life for anything, Kyle and I are a team and we work best together. When I married him I married the Army too, there is no way around it. We have been through many ups and downs; including 2 deployments. We, of course, don't have a perfect marriage, we fight, we struggle sometimes because of the Army, but it ultimately makes us stronger. I'm not saying that I don't have days where I want to curse the Army and the headaches it can cause, but for me the good greatly outweighs the bad.
I am so proud to be married to a soldier, I am thankful for the life it has given us, I am thankful for the friends that we have made because of the Army.
I just get frustrated with my other friends who don't take the time to understand this life and really understand why I love it so much. I get treated differently because my life is different.
I would never walk away from him or this life (well except when he retires lol).
I would never walk away from him or this life (well except when he retires lol).
This is my vent for the day, thanks for letting me do so.
I come from a military family - its takes a special woman to live that life and I'm glad women like you exist.
ReplyDeleteTell your husband I thank him for his service!
oh you know I get you completely! that's why all my friends are either in the military or military spouses! thanks for your unending support. it means a lot to people like me :)
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of times people don't know how to deal with different situations. It sucks, but it's life and sometimes people are too lazy to even try. It's good that you enjoy the Army life though, it makes being a soldier's wife much easier!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! It is hard going home tho. Especially for the whole friends reason & when other army wives get you & your friends for 15 years don't! Lol.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you lost friends over that lifestyle... guess they weren't true friends, huh? I tell my husband all the time that I admire army wives either with or without children. They have so much more independence than I do. So forget those who judge, you are a ROCKSTAR!!
ReplyDeleteWell said. The people who don't understand are typically the people who could just never imagine handling a life like this themselves. Maybe they are slightly jealous of your strength? Your commitment? Your love? You never can tell..
ReplyDeleteJen I think it is so admirable to be a military spouse! It's surprising that your old "friends" don't support you, but it's definitely their loss. Thanks to you and your husband for sacrificing "normalcy" in your own life so that we can have our freedom and safety!
ReplyDeleteI agree. It is so hard for people on the outside to understand what military life is like. I have so many friends who say, "I don't know how you do it!"... but we just do it. When you love someone in the military, you just do it.
ReplyDeleteFor the life of me, I can't figure out why someone would act differently to you because of your army life. You're still the same person!!
ReplyDeleteCompletely feel your frustrations!! Although I am a new USMC wife (well I should say the USMC is new to us) I have already been through a world of hurt with people not being understanding or rational about the life we are choosing to live. You keep your head up girly!!! The only reason we could possible enjoy the crazy military life is because we are THAT in love with our men. Some people aren't lucky enough to have that :)
ReplyDeleteWe went back to Vegas for the first time since I graduated/Daniel joined the Army this past summer and I was so excited, had all these plans to see friends and sorority sisters. We ended up only seeing two of my friends. It definitely made me sad. It's hard when you expect to be able to pick up where you left off and that just isn't the case.
ReplyDeleteNot the point: but cute pic of yall! And I hear you, I know a lot of people who think we are crazy, but I wouldnt trade it for anything to be here to support my hubby!
ReplyDeleteI've had people say "I don't know how you handle it", and I just tell them that although it sucks at times, I handle it and push through because I love and support my husband. I've found that the people who seem to have the biggest issues with it or don't understand the life are those who have a tendency to put themselves first before all others.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! It is so true! What are we suppose to do? Oh I love that man, but because he is the military I can't be with him?!! Makes no sense how people ask that! Until you live this life you really have no clue how hard it is..or how worth it it is!
ReplyDeleteJen, I don't think people will ever truly understand the military life unless they personally know someone in the military or are in the military themselves. I had "friends" wondering why I would save my spare change to send care packages to soldiers and marines overseas and some even went as far as telling me I was wasting my money. I did it because my brother was a marine and all he ever looked forward to was the care packages that had something that reminded him of home. I never even try to explain because I know they won't understand.
ReplyDeleteI think it takes more effort from family and friends to stay in contact with us military families. I think there are some people who don't understand and unfortunately don't care to understand. Think of it as a gift, to not have to spend your time with friends who aren't really worth it.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard for people to understand but thats ok. They just dont get it.
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