Dear son, I believe that being a military child is one of the most challenging roles within the armed forces. You didn’t choose this path; your father made the decision to enlist, and I willingly joined him on this journey, understanding the hurdles that lay ahead. However, you and your sister had no voice in this matter. By chance of birth, both of you became “military kids,” a title you’ve both embraced with remarkable strength, making us incredibly proud.
You were fortunate that your dad was stationed at home when you were born, allowing us to bond as a family during your first year. He was there to put you to bed and to be your closest companion. But, as every military family can attest, that bliss is often fleeting. At just 14 months old, your father had to deploy.
I still remember him cradling you the night before he left, reading you a story about sailors. Both of us were in tears, unsure of what you would grasp about your father’s absence. I can never forget the way you cried when we had to leave him on the ship, clinging to his neck and calling “Dada.” It broke my heart. How does one explain to a toddler that Daddy is leaving for reasons too complex for them to comprehend?
The initial weeks were challenging. Not only was I expecting your sister, but we also had to adapt to a new lifestyle. You were especially clingy, but you gradually adjusted to our new normal. We kept in touch with your dad through FaceTime while he was in port and with United Through Reading. You asked daily when he would return, and I’ll always cherish your joy on homecoming day.
Our Daughter’s Journey
Our daughter, even from the moment you were born, you came to understand what it means to have a dad in the military, albeit without fully grasping it. Your father made it back just in time for your birth, but shortly after, he was called away for another training exercise, missing your arrival. It broke both of our hearts, but we tried to maintain the mindset of “it is what it is.”
The night before he left again, your father asked if you would ever forgive him for not being there. I knew he wasn’t just referring to your birth; he was thinking about all the milestones he might miss—birthdays, school events, soccer games—moments your classmates’ fathers would be there for.
I assured him that you would understand. Both you and your brother will grow up as military kids, and while it will be tough, you will discover strength within yourselves to persevere. Your father’s courageous decision to serve his country will impact you in ways we couldn’t have anticipated.
Support for Military Kids
Always remember, whether we are together or separated by oceans, we are profoundly proud of our military children. If you want to support military kids in your community, consider looking into United Through Reading or Operation Homefront.
For more insights on family planning and home insemination, check out this blog post on our site. Also, visit Make a Mom for expert advice on this topic, and for comprehensive information on fertility, Medical News Today is an excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, being a military child comes with unique challenges that require resilience and strength. As parents, we are immensely proud of our children’s ability to navigate this lifestyle with grace and courage.