So often we hear from spouses what the military has taken away from them, now I am not diminishing anyone's feelings or saying that I haven't gotten annoyed or angry because we all deal with situations differently. I have seen so much negativity lately directed at the military and I wanted to share some pretty amazing things that the Army has given me.
1. Healthcare- In no way is the military healthcare system perfect (but to be honest what healthcare system is) but there are no words to describe how much I appreciate it. We have been blessed to have wonderful doctors and those who have advocated for our fertility journey. To have to pay next to nothing for treatments and have a significantly reduced cost for IVF if we have to go that direction is a lifesaver.
2. Culture- I am city girl, born and raised in Las Vegas. Never in my wildest dreams did I envision myself moving away from home and living like a nomad. Moving homes every 2-3 years and seeing new places. We have lived places that I had never dreamed of seeing, being immersed in the culture of new places is incredible. Being able to have family visit us in new places is pretty cool too, sharing new places with them is always fun.
3. Friendships- How many people can say that they have friends all over the world? Some of my dearest friends I have met because of the Army and I will be forever grateful. I know that any given point I can call them and they will be there. It's a good feeling.
4. Independence- I have always been a fairly independent person but this life has pushed me even further. Taking care of everything when Kyle can't has taught that I can do it. To go through a deployment and come out of it stronger and better was a great feeling.
5. Education- There are no words to describe how grateful I am for the GI Bill. When Kyle opted to give it to me, it extended his service and he didn't think twice. I was able to achieve something that I likely would not have done had it not been for the Army and GI Bill.
6. Greater Appreciation for Family- Since we don't live in the same place as our families our appreciation for them has increased tremendously. We make the most of the time we get together and it is something that we don't take for granted. Living this life has forced us to make every moment count.
Kyle and I will always be grateful for the lessons we have learned and the opportunities that we have been given. Life isn't perfect but we choose to always make the best of it and realize that we are stronger because of it.
Minus the education, I agree with all of these! Health care might be my favorite one! My sister's husband might be getting out of the military, and we were looking at insurance plans, and boy that is scary! I was also a city girl, and although Miami has culture, it's been so nice to see how the rest of the country lives.
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy to focus on the negatives, but we should always focus on the positives..! Loved this post!!
ReplyDeleteYes thank you!! There are so many things to be grateful for!! So sick of the posts bitching and whining about the negatives.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes I love having the opportunity to live different places. It's exciting!!
Great post!!
The complaining really does get old!
DeleteIt's crazy how people always fixate on the negative things and take the positives for granted. Good for you for seeing the good! So positive!
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for people like you and our husband. Thank you for serving your husband who serves our country :)! <3
ReplyDeleteI love how positive you always are. There are so many people I've read posts from who talking about their military lives in such a negative light, and this is just so nice to see. We are certainly lucky to have people like you and Kyle!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It is so easy to see the negative when the guys are gone, or their phones never stop ringing and they end up having to leave dinner, or change plans five minutes before something. I am definitely feeling this now that we have school age kids with so many activities and Chris can't be there. But I am so grateful that the military paid for a big chunk of my education. I have never been to an military hospitals but even out of pocket costs aren't that bad. I really needed to read this today as we wait for a pcs date to be set in stone!!
ReplyDeleteThis was definitely something I needed to read today so thank you! It's hard when you're in the middle of a deployment to realize that good is coming out of the situation, so a reminder is always welcome. I think, for us, the best thing we've been given is a greater appreciation of our time together. I know we're quicker to end an argument and make up than we would be otherwise. We pack more fun into the time we have together and that's fantastic!
ReplyDeleteYes!! What you said is so true! :)
DeleteI love that you can see and share the good in the military lifestyle!!! <3
ReplyDeleteI love this post-- and your optimism! I've been having lots of discussions (with Andy and with myself) on what this lifestyle would mean for me... giving up my jobs, moving away from my family and church, the uncertainty that comes along with the military. So it's nice to be reminded of the good things that could come if I chose this lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteThere are some perks. I have had my gripes about Tricare, but overall it was pretty nice to pay nothing to deliver a baby. I am grateful that the military allows dependents to have free health care.
ReplyDeleteIt's so great to hear this perspective! I'm glad there are some great benefits for you!
ReplyDeleteThis whole post is spot on!
ReplyDelete:) Thanks! It was nice to write.
DeleteI love this! It's so easy to focus on the negative but the Army does provide so much!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree, the military has given us some headaches over the years, but the healthcare is by far pretty awesome! Great post!
ReplyDeleteAmen! I love when people focus on the positives of this lifestyle! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this post, the complaining gets really old. You have to make the best of what you are given :)
ReplyDeleteMy husband asked if I wanted his GI bill and I said no since I already had my degree. Plus I'm handicapped and already ancient. Best that he kept it I figured or give it to our child someday I figured.
ReplyDeleteI love this!
ReplyDeleteThese are all great positives and soo true!
ReplyDeleteI already had my degree so I didn't need a GI bill from my husband but it would be great if he stays in long enough to give it to our daughter someday.
www.truemommytails.blogspot.com
I love your attitude! It's easy to find things to complain about, but we really have a lot of great benefits (both the tangible and the intangible, like you point out) that we probably wouldn't have or wouldn't have the same way in another lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I love this post! It's so great to focus on the positive aspects of such a challenging life. Second, I got to the end, read the quote, and broke down in tears (still crying as I'm typing this). I've been doing pretty good with Zack being away these past couple weeks, but then the past couple days have been a really big challenge. I question myself every day, wondering if I'm strong enough to handle this separation and feeling like I'm not good enough or that I'm a horrible military spouse for not handling it as well as he'd like me to. That quote is such a great, positive reminder that everything happens for a reason.
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