Army love

I have to be honest, there are a lot of things I don't like about being married to a soldier. The long nights/weekends, the plans that change at the last minute, the deployments, risk to life and limb, frustrations of living in a world of red tape, not getting to choose where I live or when I move, and on and on, are enough reasons to completely overwhelm any person debating whether or not to embark on the endeavor of marrying a soldier. However, there is an equally lengthy list of reasons why I love living this life as well. There are obvious ones: benefits, discounts for military, and a steady job, which I will not go into. :)

1. Being a military spouse immediately connects you to something larger than yourself. It's different from college, or sororities (or fraternities) or any of social group. I am connected to a cause that I firmly believe in: defending this country.
2. Living in post housing. Okay, I'll be honest, post housing can have some MEGA annoyances (changing policies without warning is one of them), however the perks of post living outweigh the drawbacks. Having a maintenance phone number to call every time I have a problem (to include if there's a lightbulb that needs replacing and I can't reach it in my 20 ft ceiling living room), and they will come, for free, is AMAZING. Having an office where I can go and get FREE lightbulbs, batteries (for smoke detectors) and filters (A/C) is really, really, really nice. 
3. CYS, SKIES, and ACS all offer childcare, sports activities, classes, and education for free, almost free, or very low cost. There is NO place where my daughter can get a month of twice weekly swim classes for $35. It doesn't exist, outside of the military.
4. The life lessons. Because my husband deploys, I have been forced to learn to be independent. I know how to change a tire, fix a smoke detector, unclog toilets and pipes and drains, mow a lawn, change the oil, and on and on. Quite honestly, most maintenance upkeep is actually done by me, since I don't deploy and I'm around to do it always. I am thankful that his absence has forced me to not be a damsel in distress.
5. The love lessons. This life has taught me to never take a moment for granted, to always tell those I love that I do, and to be live each experience to the fullest. This life has shown me that time is precious, so make it count. It's shown me that love can survive the toughest of experiences. This life has forced me to watch the love of my life leave, and not know that he will come back. This life has provided me with the elation of being a newly wed every time he's come home from a deployment. This life has shown me that my husband is a complete rockstar and it's my responsibility and my choice to cherish him while I have him. 

Above are five things that make me so grateful for the challenges of this life. I have many more, but I currently have four children who are standing in front of me waiting ever so patiently for me to come and play with them. 

I hope you all have a blessed day.