I’m Thankful For My Milspouse Mom
At the very beginning of my dating journey with my husband, I took a lot of what I experienced as a military child to mind. The lifestyle wasn’t new to me. I understood (for the most part) what the life entailed, and I still went along with it. Despite knowing the everchanging environment, I thought that being a military child was enough to get my through it.
I was wrong.
I needed a bit more than my personal experience to help. I quickly realized that my mother was my best resource. She was, in fact, a military spouse way before I became one. Also, she didn’t have the luxury of knowing about military life before she married into it. I consider myself lucky to be able to have my mom as an asset.
I’ve mentioned this before, but my mom shared that she believed the most challenging part of being married to a service member is the first year of marriage. For my mom, she left her job and home country to live with a man that she wasn’t related to for the first time in her life. She was scared and confused, but the love my parents had for each other was (and still is, for 30+ years!) strong.
It’s sort of the same with me.
I left a job and city I loved, and I started living with a man (besides my father) for the first time in my life. The sacrifices we make for the people we love always seem bigger on paper than they do in our hearts. Loving someone makes sacrifice worth it.
My mom taught me that military marriage isn’t always easy. There are lots of times that you’ll be without the person you love, but homecoming is the most beautiful thing. I remember homecoming as a military child. They are the moments I treasure the most. Seeing my dad after months at a time. Hugging him. Smiling and crying.
Now, I’m more mindful of all the moments my parents shared during homecomings. Their long embraces. The love in their eyes.
I get it.
I’ve been a military spouse for a small fraction compared to my mom. I value everything she went through and will look up to her. She is my inspiration and motivation.
Happy Mother’s Day to an amazing mom and milspouse.
