Military life is AWFUL. The havoc it wrecks on families and children... Oof. Not to mention, 20 straight years of war and conflict. Even when Dad (or Mom) comes home - they're never really actually home.
It is hard. What you think is normal family life of being gone more often than home, when it’s all done, that normal is sooo far off of everyday Americans normal; it’s unsettling.
It isn't so bad.
My wife rolls her eyes (to herself) when someone complains their spouse has to travel 3 days a year for work. My eldest just turned 18 a few days ago. We haven't lived here (out now) for 5 years and it's the longest he's live anywhere. And he's severely autistic. The constant moves, upheaval, etc. have been catastrophic for him. I carry the guilt of all the struggles he's had because of what I did for work.
Everyone's experience is different, but my former career field has an 80% divorce rate, and for good reason.
The life was great. It allowed us to go places, travel, and explore. At least in my case he was gone more times in a year than he was ever home. Sometimes a year plus. It was easier and had less problems in the 9 years before having kids. There was one period of time that while we were overseas the first time, in the four years we were there, he was collectively home for 1.5 years; not all at once. I collectively spent 2.5 years on my own in another country out of 4.
I’m an Army brat and I think I got lucky with my dad not having to be away as long as that when I was young. My mom, having four by 24, not so much. He was gone more when I was younger and I’ve heard all the stories from my siblings about him being gone for so long and read all the letters he wrote home.
If he hasn't said it, I'm sure he's thought it, but from a brat's dad's perspective, thank you for the sacrifices YOU made in order to allow him to do the mission.
It is tough!! Your experience is what I think of for my kiddos. My oldest knows, my youngest does not. That’s why despite our separation, we are still living together and we do honestly get along, and there’s love; just not in love. So our kiddos can know what it’s like to have Mom and Dad home.
It wasn’t really a sacrifice I made as much as a life I lived as a child. I didn’t have a choice and I am very proud of my dad but that shit can wear on a child. I always had to say goodbye to friends and struggle to make new ones. It also put pressure on my brothers to one up each other and join so they could somehow impress my father (who 100% did not want that). One couldn’t because of scoliosis but the other did and I don’t know what he saw but I don’t like trying to wake him up from a nap on the couch.If he hasn't said it, I'm sure he's thought it, but from a brat's dad's perspective, thank you for the sacrifices YOU made in order to allow him to do the mission.
I understand and relate to all of this. But it was a sacrifice for you. It was for all of you. My kids know that the last thing I want for any of them is to join.
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I want to jingle some bells personally
Apparently I've been doing the Stocking Stuffer year round.
Demonstration or illustration please.
Likely the one handed drummer boy
I just need to find a DILF
