Join
Connect With Us
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
 | ||||
TM
Loading
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
I’ve spent more than half of my life inside a classroom. First as a preschooler, then kindergarten and elementary, followed by my junior high and high school years, and eventually college. I’m currently enrolled in a digital photography class just for fun, but none of these compare to the classroom of the world….especially the military world. Opportunity and experience are hard teachers, but the lessons learned stay with you for a lifetime. So, what have I learned as a military wife?
(1) I’ve learned how to juggle. As I write this, I’m sitting at the DMV waiting on my son to take his driver’s test for the first time. I have a water heater that went out this morning, laundry piled up, beds that need made, bills to pay, and I’m due to be at work in three hours. Normally with my husband home, he would take care of at least the sitting and waiting part, but he’s 8,000 miles away. It makes the day a little more stressful when I’m being pulled in so many different directions. I’ve had to learn to balance the job of both mom and dad, along with my work and church responsibilities without losing sight of me. I have to say, I think I’ve adapted quite well. My friends tease me as the “Master Multi-Tasker” and I’ve actually been known to schedule eleven doctor appointments on one day and make every one of them on time!! Keeping all the balls in the air is difficult, but thankfully the military has provided plenty of opportunity for me to sharpen my skills. {I wish you could hear me laughing right now.}
(2) I’ve learned to have thick skin. One thing is for certain; for every 100 people you encounter, you will also encounter 100 different personalities and opinions. Not everyone supports the military, the war on terror, or even the President. I’ve had to learn to not let the opinions of others create a negative atmosphere for me and my family; and that just because someone doesn’t necessarily support the military, it doesn’t mean they don’t support my husband. Whew! This has been a tough one for me, but I’m learning to try to let things roll off of my back and take it all in stride. I can’t let people’s comments and opinions bring me down. What good would I be to my soldier then?
(3) I’ve learned to make friends. Although making friends has never really been difficult for me, making true, authentic friends proved to be more difficult. I need friends that I can be real with….friends that understand when I melt into a heap of tears at the door or jump ecstatically with joy over fixing a toilet or leaky faucet by myself. I’ve had to learn how to get out of my comfort zone and not just make friends, but be a friend. Now, after being married to the military for almost 18 years and having survived two deployments, I have friends that know me inside out and will be my friends a long time to come.
I could list a million things I’ve learned traveling this military life. I’m sure you could add your own items to the list and while I believe that continuing your education is important, one cannot discount the priceless treasure of learning outside the classroom…learning from the teacher that is the world.
Classroom of the Word
by Ginger Bales posted Aug 2010
Ginger Bales
Senior Contributor
ginger@armywifemagazine.com
GUARD & RESERVE
Archives: Guard/Reserve
