The Year of Strength

An Army Wife once told me I'd soon start measuring time in duty stations rather than years.

Winnie the Pooh once told me, “If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you.”

Such a wise little bear.

When I look back, I'm astonished at how much both Willie and I have grown this "year." Last July he was getting ready for basic, full of self doubt as to if he could complete the special ops training he'd signed up for. I was sick with panic. I wasn't sure if had the strength necessary to undertake this lifestyle, but more importantly I knew I loved him too much to do anything else. And it hasn't been easy. Honestly, he wasn't ready at the time and I wasn't strong enough. Army life teaches you so many lessons...

1. Five minute phone calls are precious-- even if they only come once a month.
2. You can survive on letters, and nothing's more exciting than mail call.
3. Sometimes it hurts, but it's suppose to hurt. Accept it and keep going.
4. Being "married but single" due to distance and lack of communication absolutely sucks. Laugh at how absurd it is.
5. Trust is vital. Sometimes there's no time for advice and council. You have to make big decisions all alone. Make your choices with confidence knowing you've always done the best you could.
6. Crying is okay. In fact, it's important. Loss and longing remind us that we loved.
7. You can always do better. You can always push harder. You can always be stronger.
8. You have everything you need to take on the tasks set before you. A thousand people before you have done it, and a thousand after will as well. Be confident.
9. Some people will never understand. That's okay. They don't have to. Realizing you'll never understand where they're coming from either, smile and try to learn.
10. Being honest and respectful are keys to life. Everyone plays their part.
11. You're not in control. You never were. Let go, be resilient, and learn to fly.
12. No news is good news-- make this your life mantra.
13. It's always the little things: "I miss you," "I'm proud of you," "I love you," "Thank you," that make all the difference in the world.
14. No one wants peace more than a soldier and their family.
15. Life is filled with scary possibilities. Take them down with a heavy dose of laughter-- worrying is wasted energy anyway.

I'm not sure what's gotten under my skin, but it's been a thoughtful day. With any luck, Willie will get to come home tomorrow for a visit. Maybe one day he'll get to come home every night to live. Living with my husband... wouldn't that be a dream?