Friday, May 9, 2008

Military Spouse Appreciation Day: May 9, 2008

Not a very well-known day, but first proclaimed by President Reagan back in 1984. I just want to acknowledge all the other military spouses out there. Although we are all scattered around the world, I feel like I'm a part of this group, held together by that one common factor....and with it comes comraderie. The following is a poem I found off of this website.



The Military Spouse
Author Unknown


There he stands in camouflage…yet he cannot hide from you.

You can pick him out in a crowd, and eye his stride among a formation.

There he goes, away from you again, off to do his part and be his best, leaving you in his wake - never behind, yet always longing for his return.
There you are, amidst boxes and paper and confusion, creating a home, designing a household, transforming a building into a loving nurturing, comfortable environment.
Memories will be made here. Events will be celebrated.

Children will be born, graduate, grow, change. Your family will evolve. Your love will increase. Your marriage will improve. And then you will be asked to leave it all…again.
There are those who do not understand…Who cannot comprehend what it takes to fulfill your role, to fill your shoes, to be all that you need to be.

They marvel at times, criticize at others, seldom appreciate, cannot imagine. There are those moments when you are where they are.

When you marvel, criticize, lack comprehension and are unable to muster understanding.
And then he appears at the door, or on the phone, or through a rumpled letter addressed to “My Love” and suddenly there is comprehension and understanding, affirmation and conviction.

For by his presence, through his voice, in his message you KNOW that you’ve been beckoned to a noble calling, when asked to be a military spouse.
Invited to support a soldier who allows freedom, who guards democracy, who instills leadership. And in your role you see a slice of life that few others have the privilege to experience…

Flags appear more brilliant to you…

Parades draw out more emotion for you…

A patriotic song is a musical message played just for you…

A hand-over-the-heart is as stirring as an embrace for you…

A parting kiss can hold you for months…

A welcome back embrace can fill you up from lonely months…

A grave marker is a stark reminder of the meaning of devotion…

A tear shared is a stark statement on the meaning of sacrifice…

A duffel bag on a baggage claim gives you pause and connection…

An eagle’s soar gives you inspiration. There you are…

The military spouse, the one asked to be strong, the one willing to belong.

The one who is often required to do it all.

The one who is privileged to stand beside a true American - day in and day out.

There are military spouses around the world, beside soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors.

They share a bond, a unity and a duty to be there, always for their hero.

There.

Said.
Done.

There are no better…anywhere.

Along those same lines, even though I didn't post anything about it, April was the Month of the Military Child. I can't even imagine how much tougher it would be for the children left behind and for the mothers/fathers who have to hear their children cry out for their parents. =(

6 comments:

MezzoCO said...

qHello! I stumbled upon your blog via Kaboom by LT G...just wanted to give you a shout out as a military wife!! You all are just as important as the folks you're supporting - because you have just as hard a job, I think. So, thank YOU for your unique service to this country.
(I am not a military spouse, but someone dear to me is over in Iraq right now...and he's about 1/3 of the way through his deployment, too.)

Tania said...

thank you mezzo sf! I hope your dear someone comes home safe and sound!

MezzoCO said...

You are most welcome! I hope your hubby makes it home safe and sound as well!

Rae said...

tania, both you and jon deserve the utmost respect for the sacrifice you're both making. it's not a job that many would be willing undertake.

hope this is over for both of you safely & soon.

Jaime said...

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I appreciate the two of you and what you give up for all of us so very much. I cannot imagine and I'm so grateful to you.

I hope he's back in your arms soon.

Tania said...

Thank you! I hope the rest of the time goes flying by!