Army Wife, Army Life

Who knew that one day, I would end up in my own episode of Lifetime's Army Wives......NOT ME; but that is exactly what my life has become.  I never in a million years thought that I would end up falling head over heels for a man that put his life in danger everyday to protect the freedom of family, friends and strangers alike.  I always imagined my life in a big city suburb with 2.3 children, a husband with a nine to five job and a home so perfect that I would make June Clever look like Anna Nicole Smith.  Life does not always end up the way you picture it, especially when you are young and impressionable watching Disney movies awaiting the arrival of your prince....sometimes, it is even better.

As most of you know, I am a newlywed who's married to not just my husband, but to a new way of life that demands more from me as a person than any role or job I have ever held.  I am one of the few, I am one of the proud, I am an Army wife.  I did not know what to expect when Cecil and I moved to Fort Bragg, NC and I left my career, my home, family and friends behind.  It has not all been roses and rainbows, it has been a lot of aches and a lot of pains, but it is a life that gives you more pride than anything in the world ever could.  I am surrounded by women that are the strongest women I have ever met, second to my mother and grandmother.  I am surrounded by women that raise their children as single parents while their husband are off training or in theater.  I am surrounded by women that make me push myself to be the best wife I can be to my husband in order to keep the home fires burning when that task is placed upon me.  I am surrounded by women that have lost their spouses, to this war, that have made it their mission to help women like me cherish each minute I am lucky enough to spend with my husband.  I am surrounded by women that I respect and admire.....how lucky am I.

Cecil's Change of Command Ceremony Reception

While Cecil is preparing his men to be ready for combat and training for their next deployment in February 2012, I have been blessed to have made fast friends with our Colonels' wives and Generals' wives and to be having experiences I never dreamed possible.  I have women that are trusting me to lead their families while my husband leads theirs and I have opportunities to leave my unique mark on the lives of so many, how lucky am I.

Everyday I find a little piece of me that was not there the day before, a piece of me that is stronger than I thought I could be and wiser than I thought I was.  I am finding a drive and determination that I never felt before.  I may not have the same life path or experiences as Claudia Joy, Roxy, Pamela or Denise, but I have the life of an Army wife and I have no idea where this adventure will lead me, but I know I am living the role I was destined to live and I am excited to see what each day has in store for me and my Army Life.