I feel loved, but more importantly, I feel appreciated. I feel like I appreciate this appreciation as well.
***WARNING: This post is on the mushy side***
Yesterday was Military Spouse Appreciation Day, a day for all of us to reflect on the dependents who show up at every homecoming with welcome home signs and send care packages with love notes and junk food. A Spouse who chooses to relocate with their love over and over again, endure periods of being apart (long periods at that), raising their children alone at times and just handle the logistics of life with a general power of attorney in their wallet at all times deserves at least a day of gratitude. A day such as this forces us to reflect on the sacrifices that the spouse makes by going along for the active duty ride.
I’ve been along for the ride for over a decade now and am still raising my hands up in the air screaming “Weeeeee!”. I love this ride, the man and his roller coaster of a career. He has gone out of his way to express love, gratitude and appreciation. Not buy simply buying flowers, chocolate or expensive trinkets (those are awesome though), but by his focus, work ethic and commitment to our family. He thanks me and credits me for his achievements, claiming that if it wasn’t for me being a constant rock of love and encouragement, he wouldn’t be where he is today.
To be acknowledged for my contributions in our relationship, that is the highest and purest form of appreciation. Military spouses have the power to help their loved ones excel and achieve goals and stay focused. That’s a lot of power. By being a constant supporter, using our mouths to only speak encouraging, positive and truthful words, and showing our pride for the one we choose to love fuels a person’s ego. They have no choice but to walk out in the world and be the best at everything they do. They have the drive to make us proud and to come home to us in one piece.
