Resilient. Strong. Brave: Our Military Children
My sweet children had no choice. They were born into this wild, amazing, adventure called the Army life, and they haven’t known any different. Their little 13 -and 10-year-old lives are filled with many moves, unwanted change, tearful goodbyes, joyful reunions, a keen ability to adapt, lots of experience at new-friend-making, and a unique appreciation for “family time.”
Like many of us, their Army life has been comprised of some really high highs and really low lows.
I vividly remember one of our low lows.
My son was really struggling during one of our deployments. He was 8 years old and missed his daddy. A lot.
I thought that perhaps it would help if he sent his daddy an email since we weren’t able to call him. So I set up the computer, positioned him at the keyboard, and ran back downstairs to finish up dinner. About 10 minutes later, I went back up to check on him. As I walked back up the stairs, I began to hear quiet whimpering coming from our office. Quickly, it progressed into sobs, banging on the keyboard and yelling, “Why did the Army have to take my Daddy away?!”
I ran in, swept his tense, little frame into my arms and hugged and rocked him, cradling his head against my neck, letting his tears stream onto my shoulder. There were so many emotions that I had no idea were bottled up inside of him until that moment.
As his mama, it was gut wrenching to watch him suffer; however it opened the door for us to talk and process what he was feeling. I learned that my son is a feeler, and his emotions run deep. He would need healthy ways to express himself and process his emotions. It has been amazing to watch him grow in his ability to conquer fear and bravely face times of separation from his daddy since that day.
It’s still hard, but each time he’s more equipped to handle it, and he has more tools in his tool belt to help him thrive and not just survive.
I’m one proud mama. 
Then there’s memorable highs.
During that same deployment we have Little Sister terribly missing daddy too, and trying to get through each day without her Prince Charming. I wrote about her story in this blog post. Her little prayers and big faith changed us all.
Had she not been given the opportunity to go through that deployment and wrestle with the struggle, she would not have the amazing story she has today. If you love military reunion stories and don’t mind a few happy tears, definitely check it out!
As I thought more about what our brave children experience, I thought it would be interesting to ask my own kids some questions about their life as a military child. Here is how our little interview went (LS= Little Sister BB= Big Brother):
1.What makes military life special or unique?
LS: You get to travel a lot more. You get to experience things that most people don’t.
BB: Traveling and meeting a lot of people along the way.
2. What makes military life hard?
LS: Deployments and going through long periods without Daddy. The waiting is hard. Moving and getting used to new places, making new friends is sometimes hard too. Not being close to my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins.
BB: Change is hard. I struggle with change. Having my daddy gone a lot. Lack of stability.
3. Where are some of the favorite places you’ve lived or visited?
LS: Colorado, North Carolina, Germany, and Korea
BB: Visiting Germany
4. What makes you proud to be an military child?
LS: That my daddy is serving our country
BB: I’m proud of my dad. As military children, we make sacrifices too. I’m proud to contribute to helping my country.
5. How do you think being a military child will benefit you in life?
LS: I will be stronger when there are changes in life. I can encourage other kids that might be going through the same thing.
BB: I’ve had the opportunity to experience situations that other kids haven’t. Learning to cope when my dad is gone, as well as coping with so many changes will help me when I face other situations in life.
6. If you met another child your same age and they were new to military life, what would you tell them?
LS: As far as deployments go, know that you will get through it. There is an end. You can be brave through it and will be stronger from it. Enjoy the times your dad is home and you can think about those memories while he’s gone.
BB: I would tell them that it’s going to be different, but there’s good that comes out of it. There will be hard times but you’ll experience things that other kids won’t. Stay busy during deployments. Too much idle time isn’t good. Stay in close contact with your dad. Laugh and have fun together.
Military children.
They are unsung heroes.
They are resilient, strong, and brave.
Give them a big hug today.
Tell them you’re proud of them: proud of their strength, bravery, and willingness to sacrifice so much so their father or mother (or both!) can serve our country.
