Wednesday, January 13, 2010

If I Lived a Normal Life

If I lived a normal life, I might worry that my hubby would lose his job because of the economy. Instead, I worry that he will give his life for his job.

If I lived a normal life, I might worry that living in the same place for their whole life would limit my children's world view. Instead, I worry that they'll never know how to settle into one place for more than a few years. More than that, I worry that they will never form deep attachments to people because people come and go from our life so frequently.

If I lived a normal life, I might own just one set of curtains. Instead, I have about 3 sets because the windows are never the same size.

If I lived a normal life, I might think it was simply cute when my kids play soldier. Instead, I have mixed feelings about it. It is cute that they imitate Daddy, it makes me proud that they want to follow in his footsteps protecting our freedoms and it scares me to death that I might have to watch them go to war someday.

If I lived a normal life, I might never think about showing my ID to get into the grocery store. Instead, I have to remind myself that the greeter at Wal-Mart has no desire to see my ID card.

If I lived a normal life, I might appreciate those who sacrifice to keep us free but I would probably never truly understand just what that meant. Instead, I know all too well the sacrifices made. I know that soldiers give up their lives in so many ways. They miss birthdays, anniversaries, first days of school, first steps and words. They give up so much. Many have even given their own life. And it's not just the soldiers, it is their spouses and their kids that sacrifice too.

If I lived a normal life, I would probably go on vacation sometimes. I would go see new places. Instead, I don't go on vacation. I move to new places and get to enjoy the wonders of those places for a few years at a time. It's kind of like one big vacation. Actually, it is an adventure.

If I lived a normal life, it would be good. Instead, I live a great life as an Army wife!

3 comments:

  1. Whenever you write about being an army wife, I think "hmm, does she live near me?!" I actually don't know if there are any army bases near here, but I'm smack dab in the middle of two or so Marine bases and an air force base that I know of, and my boyfriend works on navy ships (so they must be around too...) I think I live in Military country, USA :) PS - you sound like an awesome mom, I'm sure your kids will turn out fine!

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  2. Being nomal is so over-rated.
    I have actually showed my ID at Wal-Mart...
    You are an amazing Army wife!

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  3. My sister in in the Army and she is also a police officer here in STL. Her husband is a former marine and they have both been shipped everywhere! Some people are meant to be soldiers and that is why they are doing that job. Their selflessness and bravery are traits that make them the wonderful soldiers they are. I will keep you and your family and your husband in my thoughts and prayers. I think you are an amazing woman for keeping everything going the way you do!

    Thanks for sharing in my SITS day!

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