I’ve been paying attention to my reactions to this reverse ripple effect of Coronavirus as the rings get closer and closer in, as we feel it impact our own lives and our own loved ones. I’ve been paying attention to my anxiety and fear as it ebbs and flows, the decisions we’ve had to make as a human … [Read more...] about When Courage Needs to be Loud: On Military Wives, a Worldwide Pandemic, and Gritty Love
when it's hard
The Sameness of Grief and the Courage to Love
The morning that Lane deployed to Iraq for nine months, I wake up to my alarm and immediately kick my foot over to his side of the bed- is he still here? Has it started yet? Is he still here, though? He’s still there, but not for long and we drive him to the parking lot, early morning … [Read more...] about The Sameness of Grief and the Courage to Love
When Being a Military Wife Feels Too Hard
All five of us, miracle of miracles, sit at the dinner table, eating chicken that Lane grilled and potatoes that I made just like any other family in America. Our conversation drifts to the following weekend and I mention a BBQ that we have been invited to- can we go to that? “Oh, no, … [Read more...] about When Being a Military Wife Feels Too Hard
We Are the Lucky Ones: Sisterhood, Courage, and Love That’s Strong Like a Circle
After the ceremony, Brennan is driving with Lane in the back of his truck, she’s wearing her special pink floral dress because it twirls and he’s wearing his dress uniform because that’s what soldiers do with ceremonies this important. His boots are polished while her shoes sparkle, and she’s … [Read more...] about We Are the Lucky Ones: Sisterhood, Courage, and Love That’s Strong Like a Circle
On empathy, marriage, and when real love feels real hard
Sunday morning, I wake up with a sore throat and the three girls do the same. Canceled plans for the day turn into canceled plans for the week as all four of us are the sickest we’ve ever been over the longest amount of time. Tuesday evening of that week, girls in bed, Lane and I are on the couch … [Read more...] about On empathy, marriage, and when real love feels real hard
Don’t quit. If you don’t quit then I won’t either.
It’s the evening, Lane looks at me and says “You know what today was, right?” “Absolutely no clue.” “I could have gotten out of the military today. Today marks the end of my initial three-year commitment to the Army.” It’s post-dinnertime and I’m standing at the sink while he clears the table, … [Read more...] about Don’t quit. If you don’t quit then I won’t either.