...Stronger Than You Know

We are, as you know, in the middle of Chief Season. Or maybe you’re like me and these things usually escape your radar because… well, let be honest, I’m only aware because this year my Sailor actually made Chief. Otherwise, I’d be on about my normal life… like you lovely folks. Oh, wait. I kind of am. Let me explain.

Sometimes, military life gets the best of you and you need a check in. An unexpected visit of a friend, a call to your mom or from your spouse can all be life savers on the right day. But the reality is? These are not the normal days. The ‘normal days’ are full of Navy life throwing us curve balls and giving us lemons and we’re batting them out of the park and making lemon aid. On a daily basis, we’re crushing it! Probably without breaking a sweat or a nail. We just don’t give ourselves enough credit for it. Now, all of a sudden. The moment results came out and he had made the list, suddenly, me and my kids are of everyone's concern. Everyone’s! Chief’s ask my Sailor, ‘how’s the family holding up?’, ‘Is your wife stressed?’ They ‘check in’ cause they ‘know how stressful Chief Season can be, even on the families.’ They assigned me a sponsor to walk me through this difficult time.

Guys! No one died. It’s all very sweet and well meaning. I'm glad to know the support is there, should we need it. But our daily reality is??

We are a Fleet Sailors family, we are stronger than you know. I have slept alone in our bed for months on end, it has not broken me. My kids have asked ‘is today a duty day?”, and the answer ‘yes’ has not broken them. I have spent days in the ER, while my sailor is underway, it has not broken me. I have taken kids to appointments, schooled them, raised them, kissed their knees and held their hair when they’re sick… by myself and it has not broken me. My kids have watched their friends hike and swim and get picked up from school by their Dads, knowing their own dad will not be home anytime soon. It has not broken them. I’ve opened my house to struggling family, while struggling to keep my family sane. I’ve housed fresh sailors and their families, while ships were away. I’ve opened my house to all of them, regardless of the ‘mess’ they belong to. My kids have spent too many holidays one parent short, it has not broken them. I’ve celebrated my wedding anniversary alone, repeatedly. It has not broken me. I’ve supported my Sailor through 14 years of Navy ‘tradition’. It has not broken us. I continue to support him while this promotion means we will NOT be retiring in January. This has not broken me. I’ve held my kids while they cry ‘missing Daddy’ tears on their birthdays. It has not broken us. I’ve cried myself to sleep because my kids miss their Dad. It has not broken me. Don’t worry. Chief season will not break us. We are a Fleet Sailors family, we are stronger than you know.

Taps, taps. Lights out.

~Jen