Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Who knew? I didn't! But, now that I do, I can hardly let this day go by without acknowledging it.

Apparently, Military Spouse Appreciation Day is celebrated the Friday before Mother's Day, so keep that in mind for the future. Ronald Reagan proclaimed this day in 1984, which means there has been one of these things every year since I have been alive.


You certainly don't need to tell me about the strength of the families and spouses of those that choose the military lifestyle. That's right. it is a choice. It's also more than a career, it's a lifestyle. This lifestyle does include a lot of benefits, benefits that are continually up for debate in the political sphere. And I know that many people have many differing opinions on those subjects.

But all the benefits and the fact that it is a choice (these days) to be in the military, does not take away from the fact that this lifestyle is a tough one. We all make choices, and some are tougher than others. My husband made this choice when he was young. And yes, I knew it was part of the deal.

Yup, even way back then. 

Prom 2002

That didn't keep me from crying hysterically and dramatically the day I found out that we would need to move our wedding up a month so that he could be there. Or from shedding some additional tears realizing that we would have no honeymoon and that my brand new husband would be shipping out within a week of our wedding.

It didn't keep me from crying when we closed on our first house and he wasn't there with me. Or when I received my Master's degree in the mail and still didn't have a job, because we hadn't known where we were going when everyone was hiring, and wondering if I would ever actually be able to use that education.

It didn't keep me from crying on the phone along with one of my best friends when she found out her husband would be deploying while she was pregnant and that he would miss the birth of their first child.

And it won't keep me from crying in my room, where the kids can't see, when he needs to leave again and miss birthdays, anniversaries, little league games and first dates. Or because I miss a phone call from him, and know he won't be able to call again for weeks. Or from crying after having to tell our kids that we are moving, and they will have to say goodbye to their friends...again.

All those tears - and I'm not even a crier. Seriously.

OCS Graduation August 1, 2008

(About a month before we got engaged)

But it also has never kept me from the immense pride that I feel when my husband wears his uniform. Or from picking myself up, wiping those tears off and getting on with the day. And (almost) never letting him see those tears. Because, that's what you do. 

So here's to all my fellow military spouses. Enjoy the day, even if no one knows that it is indeed your day. Hug your spouse for an extra heartbeat if you are lucky enough to have them home today. And if not, put an extra notch in the hug column for when they come home.

Evelyn is nine months old

...and I stole this from a friend's Facebook page -

The Silent Ranks

I wear no uniforms, no blues or greens.

But, I am in the military, in the ranks rarely seen.

I have no rank upon my shoulders. Salutes I do not give.

But in the military world is where I live.

I am not in the chain of command, orders I do not give or get.

But my husband is the one who does, this I cannot forget.

I am not the one who fires a weapon, who puts his life on the line.

But my job is just as tough- I’m the one who is always left behind.

My husband is a patriot, a brave and pride filled man.

And the call to serve his country not all can understand.

Behind the lines, I see things needed to keep this country free.

My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do my kids and me.

I love the man I married. The military is his life.

So I pledge to support my hero 
and stand among the silent ranks known as

THE MILITARY WIFE.

(but really all spouses...Wife just happens to rhyme!)