Renaissance Man and I met the young man who would become our son-in-law on the evening before he left for Army Boot Camp. We followed his progress as he continued on to Airborne School and then deployed to Iraq. In fact, it was while on leave from that deployment that he coaxed a jeweler to “rush” an engagement ring so he could propose to our daughter before returning to the Middle East.
A wedding date was set … and he was scheduled to be home in time … but we purchased wedding insurance anyway. I’ve learned that when you’re dealing with the military, schedules can change quickly. Fortunately, he made it, but not too long after the wedding, Afghanistan called, and another deployment began.
Safely back at home once again, his contract with the Army ended, and he returned to college to finish a degree … but he joined the ROTC, making plans to re-enter the Army as a commissioned officer. Little Man was born, Daddy graduated, and the call of the Army was answered once again.
Two moves and the birth of Little Sir later, we know another deployment is likely. In the meantime, there are weeks at a time when my Favorite Fatigue Wearer is away at training … and two little boys too young to understand Daddy’s absence are left behind with a young mother trying to juggle the responsibilities of both parents. Some days are easier than others.
Military families … they are near and dear to my heart. The sacrifices they make on my behalf — and yours — are many, but rarely visible. How can we begin to say thank you?
Just yesterday, my mother told me of a young military wife in her community. She has a 22-month-old and a 2-month-old. Her husband will be gone for several weeks, home only on the weekends. The young mother had asked her Bible Study group for prayer support as she wondered aloud how she was going to handle everything alone. Oh, she’ll definitely be prayed for … but she also received several babysitting offers (from women of all ages) so she can run occasional errands without two little ones in tow. I have no doubt the weeks will pass more quickly for both husband and wife because she has supportive friends.
We can be encouraging friends to a military family, too…
- Offer to babysit
- Mow the lawn
- Trim the shrubs
- Water the yard
- Walk the dog
- Take out the trash/recycling
- Take a meal –or invite them to our house for one
- Take the family on an outing
- Be a friend
- Understand … some things they can’t talk about
- Fly the Stars & Stripes
- Pay attention to national security … then GO VOTE!
Remember … Hard-won freedoms can be lost if we don’t protect them. Our military personnel, with the support of their families, are protecting them. Let’s be sure we protect our military!
If yours is a military family, how can we support you?
This is part of a 31-day series. To read previous posts, go HERE.
Such a great topic, Susan.
My niece feels truly blessed to have been living near her family when Whit was deployed. We feel it was definitely a move of Providence that the long time branch manager retired not long after they married and she was able to move home.
I think being a “family” to those who do not live near their family is a critical gift.
Wonderful post. It means alot when non-military folks reach out… there’s a real tendancy to feel isolated. Most people don’t understand the military lifestyle. Very glad for people like you who do. And blessings to your daughter, son-in-law and family.