The following is an excerpt from Michelle Cuthrell’s book, Behind the Blue Star Banner, it resonated with me and I thought it was a good time of year to share this. Michelle’s book has really opened my eyes to see the bigger picture; not just the trials I am having, but the reason why my husband serves his country and what it really means. When we can look at our lives through the eyes of our spouse, it helps us build a better marriage. Thank you Michelle for letting me share this!

 

From Until they Come Home | October 21, 2005 | by Michelle Cuthrell

Being a military wife isn’t easy. No, I’m not on the battlefield, and no, I’m not the one facing the fire. Those are true heroes. But I do take some of the shots. I sacrifice, too. While my husband faces the attacks of insurgents and the casualties of war, I face attacks of depression and the casualties of worry and stress. It’s not just a long-distance relationship I have to hold together anymore; it’s my sanity. And that task has never been harder. …It’s a lot for one person to handle. And it’s sometimes difficult to hold my tongue and be supporting when the only thing I want, the only thing I ask for, is to be a normal family–together in the same place for more than six months at one time. It doesn’t seem like that should be asking too much. And yet, when it comes to service our country, I’m starting to realize that it has to be. Although I complain about holidays alone and long, lonely nights, I quickly forget that my husband endures those things, too–only read more

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