Ode to the Military Teenager

You have been told you are like the Dandelion,

Thriving and resilient, no matter where the wind takes you.

And you are, Military Child. You are! You did not choose this life, but you love the people that did.

As you get older, perhaps you resemble the Dandelion a little bit less.

As you get older, the seeds become more difficult to plant. It is no longer an issue of a playdate or friend to eat lunch with.

As you hit the complexity of adolescence, your willingness to replant and restart wanes a bit.

And that is okay. Adapting is not compliance, and change doesn’t always bring Joy.

So, dear Military Teenager, I don’t think you are a Dandelion anymore. Waiting for the wind to tell you to “just bloom here.”

Maybe you are becoming less like a Dandelion and more like a Willow Tree.

Because although you surf the wind from one zip code to the next, you are actually grounded.

Grounded by your roots to family, not to your address.

Grounded by your choices, not by your options.

Grounded by your real relationships, not your geographical ones.

Your roots are deep, and your trunk is strong, nourished by your loved ones, your patriotism, and the family you made along the way.

But your Branches, oh, your beautiful Branches, Military Teenager!

Your Branches blow in the harsh winds of adversity. They guide you through relationships, challenges, and new opportunities with every storm.

Your Branches offer shelter. For there are times, you just want to hide under them and recharge.

Your branches carry your passions and your interests as you reach for your dreams whether it be college, trade school, travel, volunteerism, sports, music and arts, or even returning to your service roots.

Your Branches provide a beautiful canopy of comfort and peace when you are at your fullest.

Your Branches reach far, yet always come back to your roots.

Your roots to the things that nourish you.

Your roots to the people that love you.

Your roots to your beliefs and values that sustain you. 

But your Branches, Oh, your beautiful Branches, Military Teenager…

Your soft, flexible, long-reaching branches…

Tough, yet yielding to the elements you face.

Able to bend in every direction, but never break… That is you, Military Teenager.

For more posts that celebrate The Month of the Military Child, check out Resilient. Strong. Brave: Our Military Children and A Military Child Manifesto.