Join
Connect With Us
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
 | ||||
TM
Loading
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Independence. From the moment we are born, we all fight for this rite of passage. Beginning with those first wobbly steps, to leaving home to forge our own way in the world-independence is the thing that we all desire. However, as a military wife celebrating Independence Day for the 2nd time while my husband is overseas, this elusive word takes on a new meaning.
The Gift of Creativity
by Ginger Bales posted July 2010
Ginger Bales
Senior Contributor
ginger@armywifemagazine.com
GUARD & RESERVE
As a toddler, freedom meant being able to walk to my favorite toy or make my escape through the screen door. In high school, I tested my independence with my first job and my first car… and later through breaking curfew. I later married a soldier no less, and thus began a new chapter of independence; as I would spend several weeks each summer on my own while he trained at summer camp.
As a National Guard wife, I never dreamed that I would stand by my soldier during an actual overseas deployment, yet here I am, in the midst of my husband’s second tour. During these times I’ve learned a new meaning of freedom and independence. I’ve learned that independence means that I can change the fill valve on the toilet….all by myself. I know how to check the oil in our van, can navigate the interstate nearly blindfolded, and can even offer my son some pointers on shaving. I’m free to turn the AC up and sleep on any side of the bed I choose. I can serve cereal for every meal for a week, because my children won’t complain and I’m too exhausted to serve anything else. I can sleep late and not make my bed for a week…if that’s what I want to do. I can watch Lifetime movies till my eyes are swollen shut from tears. Independence is learning to live apart from my soul mate without falling apart.
I always thought that I was an independent woman; but not until I was tested through the trials of a deployment, did I realize that I had just touched the tip of the iceberg. I’m more confident now. I’m more assertive. I’m more equipped to be the helpmate my husband needs when he returns. I wouldn’t have chosen to learn independence this way, but these are the cards I’ve been dealt.
So as America celebrates her freedom, I hope that you take a moment to think about what it really means to be free and the sacrifices made not only by the soldier, but their families as well. As my soldier fights for the independence of those that are held captive by a lifetime of dictatorship, I will stand guard on the home-front embracing my own independence and anxiously awaiting the return of the other half of me.
Archives: Guard/Reserve
