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To the Military Spouse
Dear Friend,
Today, I want to take a moment to honor your husband, who has just embarked on a year-long deployment with the United States Army. I recognize the immense sacrifice he is making by leaving you and your two little ones to serve our country and protect our freedoms. But this letter is for you, the one who stays behind, because sometimes we forget to acknowledge the strength it takes to hold the fort. While I may not fully grasp the depth of what you’re experiencing, I want you to know that you are not alone in this journey.
I saw your farewell photos today, and they stirred up a whirlwind of emotions in me. My heart aches as I remember the goodbyes I’ve faced. Both my brother and my husband have served, and I was left behind during their deployments. As you shared your goodbye, I felt a tingle of familiarity, a reminder of the moments that stay with us forever.
Your strength has not gone unnoticed, especially as you said goodbye to your husband. We only met recently, at a Fourth of July gathering, which seemed fitting since your husband is off to help uphold the very independence we celebrated that day. I recall when my husband, then just my boyfriend, left for Navy boot camp. I was proud but felt isolated, even amidst friends who loved me. It was 1995, and I wore his band t-shirt for days, clinging to the comfort it brought me.
Last week, you mentioned how your husband’s bags were all packed and ready to go. I can picture that sight vividly—bags lined up, just waiting for the moment of departure. I remember those days with my brother when he prepared to leave for the Marine Corps. I didn’t have to stare at those bags for long, but the weight of that goodbye is something I still carry.
You kindly invited me to your husband’s farewell party, where everything was decked out in red, white, and blue. There was laughter and joy, but I also saw the tender moment when your husband thanked everyone for their support. His voice trembled, and tears welled up in his eyes as you watched him, your own eyes sparkling with love and pride. I wondered if anyone noticed me years ago as I stood there, watching my husband walk away and vanish into the depths of the sea.
Just the other day, you shared a lovely photo from your wedding. Four years might seem brief, but you’ve built a beautiful life together with your military man. As you prepare for this deployment, I know it must weigh heavily on your heart, especially with your anniversary approaching. I remember my wedding day over 13 years ago, which was bittersweet as my brother prepared for his own deployment. I was thrilled to marry the boy I loved since childhood, but there was a shadow looming over our celebration. I prayed for my brother’s safe return while tossing my bouquet toward his fiancée.
You are just one of many amazing military spouses out there. I was once a military sister, and then I became a military wife, too. We are part of a larger community that stands together.
To All Military Families
To all military spouses, husbands, wives, and partners: We are here for you.
To military mothers and fathers: We support you.
To military siblings: We are with you.
To military children: You have our love.
To military extended families: We salute you and stand by you. When your loved ones return, we will be there with banners of red, white, and blue.
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In summary, your strength as a military spouse is admirable, and you are certainly not alone. We stand together, supporting one another through every challenge.