Military Child Appreciation Month

Military children serve too. In fact I feel they get the worst of it. Being a military child is no easy feat, and yet they endure. They endure, countless “goodbyes,” anxiously awaited “hellos,” more time in a single parent household than any kid deserves and left with a gut wrenching feeling as to whether their parent will be coming home safely. And that is if they are even old enough to comprehend why their parent is gone so often, if at all. It’s more than most adults could handle and yet they endure! 

They do not choose this life, nor have they even really been given a say. They cannot walk away if the pressure becomes too heavy and difficult. It’s a hard enough lifestyle on a spouse, let alone a child. People comment to me all the time, “I don’t know how you do it, all the time spent apart?” and my answer to them, simply put is “I knew what I was getting myself into.” I chose to pursue a relationship with a man in the military. Maybe, I didn’t understand this life, on the grand scale that it is but before we said our I Do’s, I had a choice, I could have said sayonara, this is too much! But, that is just not how it works for the children, they are born into this life and given no choice in the matter.

Now, I can only speak for my situation and child but even at only one year old, I see the implications that her Dada being gone has on her, first hand. I see her give him the cold shoulder when he comes home from a long work trip, or the way she acts out towards him in no manner she would ever dare to do to me and I see the way she searches for him from room to room before realizing he’s still away. It’s not only heart breaking to her its heart breaking to me and absolutely devastating to her Dada. You can’t explain to a toddler her Dada wishes to be with her more at home. You can’t explain to a toddler, Dada is the one sacrificing for Mama to stay home and no matter how much we try she may never understand the time apart.

 I can only take solace in knowing she will grow up knowing what a true hero looks like. Someone who sacrifices their own happiness for the good of the masses and who continually puts himself in the way of danger in hopes to bring happiness and peace to those less fortunate. Someone who not only stands up for what he believes in but is convicted to walk the walk, never just talk and someone who will never allow evil to reign. Knowing this to be true brings me peace. When I do not quite have the words to lift her up, I hope she sees the way he looks at her and knows she puts the stars in his sky. I hope with that she appreciates his constant efforts to be a loving supportive father even if it’s from afar. I hope one day she realizes the sacrifices he has made were to do so much more good than people will say and that good will always persevere because of people like her Daddy. All I know is, no matter what situation my husband and I are going through it is not only my joy, but my duty… yup I said it, DUTY, to speak highly of him, to and around her. It is my duty to reassure her of his love and it is my duty to constantly reaffirm the tremendous positive impact he makes by doing what he does. I do not ever want her to have to wonder whether or not the hard times were ‘worth it.’

 P.S. I think these kids deserve way more than a month, so the next time you thank a soldier {which is much appreciated} make sure to thank their babies as well. 

 

Genesis 31:49 …The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight.

Written and produced by a fellow military family’s Mother:

“This song is a tribute to all military children who have endured countless holidays, birthdays, moves and milestones without the presence of their active-duty military parent(s).  Nearly 2 million American children have a parent currently serving in the military.  April is “The Month of the Military Child” so let’s recognize the strength, sacrifice and special contributions that they make to our country.  This song was inspired by my military son, daughter-in-law and grandchild, and their love for each other.”

Lyrics:

“You Are The Star”

There are so many miles between us;
On a road I knew I had to choose.
I’m gone so many nights,
Defending our Stars and Stripes;
Every step brings me closer to you.

So many thoughts movin’ ’round my mind.
That goal you scored while I was away.
The faded t-shirt that you wear;
Wind flying through your hair.
Your head on my shoulder; candles on your cake.

Chorus:
You’re too young,
For these greetings and good-byes;
Airport scenes and new routines,
Tears in people’s eyes.
Just shine strong.
I’m proud of who you are.
Laugh and grow and always know,
Within my heart and mind
You are the star.

Welcome signs are bright as 4th of July.
Waving hands tell me that I’m home.
I lift you in my arms;
Keep you safe from harm.
And I never want to let you go.

When’s your bedtime?  Which shoes do you wear?
What do you like on your toast?
Keep holding my hand tight;
Everything will be all right.
Love will keep our family whole.

You’re too young
For these greetings and good-byes;
Airport scenes and new routines
Tears in people’s eyes.
Just shine strong.
I’m proud of who you are.
Laugh and grow and always know,
Within my heart and mind
You are the star.

Too many milestones, missed on the way.
Too many unknowns in your day.
You’re the voice,
That had no choice,
So I salute and say;
Thank you to the bravest stars across the USA.

You’re too young
For these greetings and good-byes;
Airport scenes and new routines
Tears in people’s eyes.
Just shine strong.
I’m proud of who you are.
Laugh and grow and always know,
Within my heart and mind…
You are the star.
You are the star.
You are the star.