I bet you didn't know November is the month of the military family. But that is okay because you probably don't know a lot about being a family member of an active duty service member, and I wouldn't expect you to. To label my life as 'complicated' would be an understatement. However, for me to ask you to recognize others in my situation is not a complicated request, rather a simple one.
A service member's family understands the meaning of strength. At the age of seven, I sent my active-duty family member off to war. Imagine, a seven-year-old girl sending her father off to war. Then think of her mother, the wife who dedicated her life to this man. She has to calm her children down when during a time where it is hard for her to remain calm herself.
A service member's family understands the meaning of sacrifice. I only had temporary houses, never a place to call home. Moving is part of the lifestyle and the process is a feverish nightmare. We spend weeks on the road, accompanied by summers in hotels, and sometimes months of unpacking boxes and finally settling in. We do all of this only to pack up and move again in the next few years.
A service member's family understands the importance of family. When I pick up and move to a new place, I feel alone and isolated. Instead of having friends to turn to, I end up leaning on my family. We have to know, understand, and be patient with one another. We value each other's presence because no matter what place we are in, the people around us always stay consistent.
A service member's family has to understand the meaning of mortality. We all know what our loved service member is doing. They assumed the most difficult, and also most rewarding, job in the country. At any point in time, they are expected to put their lives on the line in order to preserve and protect the constitution. We have to understand the possibility that they will die.
A service member's family has a strong sense of patriotism. Fourth of July? We celebrate that. The American flag hanging in front of our house? We have that. Little pro-American trinkets locate all over the house? No doubt about it. We are not ashamed of our nation, just like everyone else we understand our country's past is shaky, but we are determined to create a brighter future. We are proud to be Americans.
