by Vanessa Arreola

Created on: September 23, 2009

Strong. Brave. True. Determined. Loving. Patient. Caring. Self-Sacrificing. Understanding. Resilient. These are a few of the many characteristics of a military wife. She is strong enough to stand up to the prospect of another day, month, or year alone, never sure what tomorrow will bring. Yet she is gentle enough to nurture and shield her children from the worries that burden her heart. She is brave. She faces the unknown, knowing that she will be at her husband's side through thick and thin, although sometimes it seems that things are always thick. She keeps her worries safely tucked away from the eyes of her family. She is true to her husband, true to her country, and true to her values. Though months may go by, she does not stray from her post. She is determined; Determined to make it. Determined to keep her family together and strong, though it seems that everything else would rip it apart. Like a lioness, she fights for her family, keeping them safe and secure in turbulent times. As fierce as she can be, she is also loving. It is out of love for her husband and family that she stands strong. Giving her time, love, and resources, she lifts up her fellow wives when they are in need. She finds herself lending a hand, a home, and often a meal to downtrodden soldiers, while never skipping a beat at home. She is patient. When her husband gives her the news that he must leave tomorrow for an undetermined amount of time, she says, Ok, what can I do to help. She quietly gathers up her household, cherished possessions, and family and moves across the globe countless times. She understands that every day must be lived one at a time, and understands that planning ahead is difficult if not impossible with her given lifestyle. She is self-sacrificing. A military wife will give of herself until their is nothing to give. She puts aside her needs, her wants, and so often her dreams so that her husband may give his life in service to his country. Through all this, she asks for nothing, but understanding, for she too is understanding. She understands that her husband is a hero. And so she supports him. The fourteen hour workdays, the months spent being a single parent, the stresses of never knowing...if he will be back. She understands. Yes she bears her burden loyally. Is there anything more resilient than a military wife? Despite the hardships, she endures. But for her, enduring is not enough. No, she shines, she excels, she grows, not because of, but in spite of.

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