Never A Dull Moment

It's time for me to get on my soap box. Let me get a ladder to climb up because this one is fairly tall.

"Why We Do What We Do".

Ahemmm . . . .

One comment/question that I get often is why we have chosen to live the military lifestyle. Now that Dave is deployed, I very often hear comments that question my basic survival. "I don't know how you do it". "I could never do it". "Why do you do this?" "We could never do this because we are not pro-war".


This one is my personal favorite. "Is it really worth it - having your husband miss all this for what?"


OK. Here goes.


I had started to write a long, blow by blow account of how we came to join the military, but I figured most of you would find it boring. I deleted it and have decided to give you the abbreviated version, which is that the military is the best way for us to care for our family at this time.


My husband has always been involved in public service. Prior to the military, he was a police officer. He has always enjoyed helping people, and his military position allows him to do just that. Driving tanks and target practice are fun too . . . So first of all, this is something that he enjoys doing! How many people wish they could say that they truly enjoy their job as well?


Does enjoying his job mean that my husband is pro-war? Goodness no! I don't know of any military family that wants their soldier to be put in harms way. I am amazed when people tell me that we would not be welcome here or there because of my husband's job position, which supposedly means that we are pro-war. That has to be one of the craziest things that I have ever heard! War means separation and the possibility of death. Why would anyone be pro that?

So does this mean that you are in favor of the Iraq war? Again, my husband is doing the job that his boss, the President, has asked him to do. How many people are in similar situations at their job, doing things that they may not always agree with, but it's part of the package?


How do I manage to do all of this? Do I have a choice? What are my options are this point? You don't think you could ever do this? Let me tell you what. We can all do "it" when we have to. I love my husband and I love our family. How could I not?


This job provides for our family, and has been a real gift, especially when so many are hurting financially. This job is secure and stable, a blessing that we do not take for granted. We have wonderful benefits that will continue 'til Kingdom come. I know that many think nothing is worth having your husband deployed for a year, but it helps take the sting out.

Most importantly, it's God that truly makes all of this possible for me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't ask Him for the strength and patience to make it through the day. He has given me friends that have stepped up and helped in ways that have saved my sanity. He has encouraged one woman to bring meals each week for almost two months now. I believe He has truly done the impossible as well, which for me is the fact that not one of my children has had a major meltdown in a store since this deployment has started. Praise the Lord!

Time to step down and get coffee. This post stems from comments over the weekend that continue to question why our family is living this different sort of life. I know I don't owe anyone an explanation, but sometimes it feels good just to let it all out! It also helps me to see the glass as half full, which believe me, isn't always easy to do!

Have a wonderful day!