Military Life
The truth is, it never gets easier. Spending so much time and effort slowly building a life only to tear it all down again a few years later.
Carefully crafting friendships, exposing vulnerabilities, risking rejection -- it's a delicate dance starting from scratch while desperately trying to make it all feel like a continuation.
And although we're about to start a new chapter, a hopefully more steady chapter, filled with family and community and roots, there is still some lingering nostalgia for this way of life we leave behind, because it has shaped us into who we are.
It is a way of life that makes families strong, guarantees deep relationships and exposes you to the great big beautiful world out there. But it can also be terribly lonely at times, and there is sweet sadness and loss every time you pack your life back into boxes and begin again.
So, for what it's worth (and it's okay if thats nothing to you!), here are a couple of my thoughts after a decade-plus of this crazy on-the-move life...
If you know a military family, lean in. Bring wine. And chocolate. If your neighbor/friend/colleague's significant other is deployed, bring wine AND chocolate. Or anything really, but show up. Widen your circle. Make room. Invite them in fully - knowing full well it's temporary, but willing to sacrifice the loss for all the good in between. They won't let you down. I honesty cannot tell you how much even the smallest gesture of kindness has meant to me. Take a chance on these families -- they need you.
And if you are a military family, lean out. No matter where you are, no matter for how long, put yourself out there. Experience everything there is to experience in that specific place for that specific time -- time is never worth wasting. Be real, and be open -- to new people, new traditions, new definitions of family. Although not always easy, it's a gift to be able make a life in so many different parts of this country (and world!) with so many different people. Don't hold back, and don't let your insecurities keep you from really digging in (ask me how I know :)). Take a chance on these new people around you -- they need you.
And I know this isn't close to comprehensive -- just some random thoughts I had this afternoon as I sat on a picture perfect white sand beach, watching aquamarine (no seriously, this color is unreal) waves tumble over and over. Listening to my kids play and explore and enjoy. Thinking about another set of good-byes coming too soon, and the hellos on the other side.
This life has been good to us, no doubt.