I found this short script on a fellow blogger's site and couldn't help but share. She posted it on Friday for Military Spouse Appreciation Day. She really hit the nail on the head on some things for me; I couldn't have wrote it any better. I often have family or friends that aren't in the military tell me they know how hard it is and they know what I'm going through. I understand their intentions are good and that they are trying to empathize with me. But if you've said goodbye to your spouse knowing the next time you'll get to touch them will be months away from now then you would understand. Or if you sleep with your phone underneath your pillow at night because you don't want to miss that thirty second phone call that might very well be the only phone call you get from them the whole month...then you might really understand. I think most military spouse's don't want a pity party or to be asked day after day "How are you holding up?" or "Are you doing okay?" We just want to be treated like a normal person living a not-so-normal life.
Today's Military Spouse
"She is college educated or sometimes not, because frequent moves don't leave much time to finish school. Be patient with her.
Sometimes she isn't a she, there are men who have watched their wives go off to war. One thing is for sure, they miss their soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine. Be understanding.
She has kids who miss their dad, and she tries to maintain the schedule they had when there were two parents at home. She is exhausted. Offer to drive her child home from baseball practice.
She sees children at family events but doesn't have her own yet, because he is always deployed or training for the next deployment. Be a friend to her.
She has her happy face on but inside her heart is breaking, as she unwillingly ticks down the day he leaves. She smiles for her kids, who don't know he is leaving yet; her fellow spouses, to try to keep spirits up; and herself, to keep from crying. Smile back.
She is in church with her kids, trying to make them behave and quiet the baby by herself. Be kind to her.
She is at the grocery store trying to fill her cart with things that can be cooked for one. Invite her over for dinner.
She is new in town and her soldier is already gone. She wants to work and make new friends but is struggling to find something or someone. Point her in a good direction.
Her best friend is in a hostile location with dangers everywhere. She is lonely without him. Call her just to say hello.
She worries. Her heart is heavy and a few minutes on Skype can make her entire month! Pray for her.
That is how you thank a military spouse."
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