I Love My Military Life

“I could never be a military wife.” That statement, which is usually followed up with, “I could never do it.” pops up frequently in my routine, ordinary, everyday life. Although I am someone who talks…a lot, both statements usually leave me stumbling for words. So for all of the times I have been asked, “How do you do it?” here is my reply.
I love being an Air Force wife. I really do. I love that in a few days my husband and I will dress up and attend the annual Air Force ball. Instead of the anxiety-ridden “Who are you going to Prom with” high school years I am excited about wearing a gown and attending a fancy event with my husband. Not many companies celebrate the birthday of their inception with a formal ball and I love that every September we do.
I love the monthly social events for spouses at McChord. I am a regular at Bunco night, and though I usually do not break even in the $5 I shell out to play, I love the camaraderie and the bustle the game provides. I love going to the squadron spouses’ coffees. I love the chance to be among other wives and discuss any number of topics over a glass of wine and a menagerie of incredible appetizers.
But mainly and most importantly, I love being with my husband. In a society where divorce is common and marriages stumble all around us, I am proud to be Graham’s wife. We go through the ups and downs of married life combined with the rigors of deployments, temporary-duty-stations, and knowing that the Air Force generally comes first, and I cannot imagine being with anyone else.
I love that I found a person to be with who accepts my quirks. Admittedly I do have many. Graham is the realist to my head-in-the-clouds ideas. He knows to just walk away when I suggest far-fetched “what if we just tear down that wall” home renovations. He doesn’t bat an eye when I stumble over the pronouncement of Worcestershire sauce for the ten-thousandth time. And he has agreed to dress me only in non-itchy 100% cotton if I ever become unable to speak or dress myself.
I have found in my husband someone who has committed himself to a profession that not many are willing to. I know that when he leaves the house he goes to a job that at times can be hazardous, dangerous and sacrificial. He is a man who stands by his convictions and I know he will try his best to make it home safely.
My husband is worth it. He’s worth the moves to places where we know no one. He’s worth the tears when we bid him good-bye for another countless time. He’s worth staying for. He is why I do what I do and why I love being an Air Force wife.