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9 Facts Of Life When You Call A Veteran Mom Or Dad

The military is a part of your parent's identity, and it is consequently a part of yours as their kid, even if you haven't realized it yet.

Gabby Sheets

May 05, 2019

Bowling Green State University

1219

9 Facts Of Life When You Call A Veteran Mom Or Dad

James Sheets

If your parent is a veteran, odds are the military runs through their veins. You don't remember when you learned what the military was or how it worked. All you know is that you did learn and at a very young age at that. During your time growing up, your parent has probably received multiple military-themed gifts and has told you about the good ole military days more than a few times.

So, if your parent is a veteran, here are nine facts of your life.

1. Curse words are a frequent form of expression

Bad words are beautiful gifts to the languages. Odds are your parent not only knows all the curse words in the English language but probably some others in a foreign language. My dad knows quite a few in German.

2. Guns are not inherently "bad"

While I cannot speak for everyone's parents' political beliefs, odds are guns are not hated in a military household, considering the military relies on them a lot of the times.

3. Pretty much ALL gifts you get for them are military-themed

We have gotten my father a LEGO tank model, many other tanks models, military T-shirts, veteran-made coffee, glasses with bullets stuck in the sides, and many more items that I could list off if I so wished.

4. There are at least 20 t-shirts with the American flag on it in your household

This goes along with the gift thing. A fair majority of your parent's wardrobe is made up of military-related clothing, and there is no denying it. USA loud and proud.

5. Alcohol and coffee = the two main forms of sustenance

Now that I think about it, I have never met a veteran that doesn't enjoy at least one of these things immensely. Like... ever.

6. You'll learn weird phrases or sayings that you have never heard any one else's parents say

My father always says, "Well, that's a dead soldier!" after a bottle is emptied in my house. According to Google, this phrase derives from WWI times, in which people referred to empty bottles as "dead soldiers" or "dead marines" because the bottle has served its duty. Also, my dad has explained to me many times that the f-word is actually an acronym referring to early prostitutes.

So, that's fun.

7. You'll hear the same military stories a THOUSAND times

For example, my dad once lived in a barracks that all the soldiers claimed was haunted. They would hear boots going up and down the halls late at night while everyone was in bed, or so the story goes over and over and over...

8. And when you try to INTERRUPT the military stories, they just take more time to tell it

OMG I KNOW THAT IT WAS HAUNTED. PLEASE JUST LET ME STARE INTO THE FRIDGE MINDLESSLY

9. You are proud to call them your parent

They served for their country. Now, they serve you as your parent and a great parent at that.

I love you, Dad!

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Recommended for you

9 Facts Of Life When You Call A Veteran Mom Or Dad

The military is a part of your parent's identity, and it is consequently a part of yours as their kid, even if you haven't realized it yet.

1. Curse words are a frequent form of expression

2. Guns are not inherently "bad"

3. Pretty much ALL gifts you get for them are military-themed

4. There are at least 20 t-shirts with the American flag on it in your household

5. Alcohol and coffee = the two main forms of sustenance

6. You'll learn weird phrases or sayings that you have never heard any one else's parents say

7. You'll hear the same military stories a THOUSAND times

8. And when you try to INTERRUPT the military stories, they just take more time to tell it

9. You are proud to call them your parent

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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