Military life can be really hard. (I think we all agree on that.) But it also can be filled with happiness and a lot of joy. A lot. I think it’s really important to remember that there are many, many beautiful moments that grow out of the way we live our lives.
I asked the Jo, My Gosh! community to share their favorite, happiest moments, the moments that feed their souls. Here’s what they said:
Personal Growth. “I find joy in both him and I learning the Navy life together. And having our relationship grow with the time he spends away, but still finding ways to love each other.” -Miranda
Peace. “Moments when life is fixing to be turned upside-down, but you’re still able to find peace because you’re together now.” -Kisha
The Little Things. “We only get to speak on the phone once a month, if we’re lucky, so we find joy in the little things that allow us to feel close, while being so far. For us it’s waking up a few minutes earlier to read that “good morning” email or send a “sweet dreams” before climbing into bed. It’s a strong appreciation for the little things that has been the foundation for our love. Who knew I’d one day be counting down from triple digits just to have a Skype date night.” -Bianca
Being There. “Being a rock for my fellow milspouses. Being another military family’s extended family. Being their emergency contact. Being their hostess. Being their friends.” -Jessica
Laundry. “Looking at mess of ACUs and smiling because they’re in your house and not the field.” -Ashley
Career Advancement. “A hard earned promotion, and most recently when my husband was accepted into the AGR program.” -Jennifer
The Countdown. “When my countdown says less than a week til we get to see each other.” -Ames
Moving. “PCS. Always a surprise, never knowing what’s in store. I love coming to the gate for the first time.” -Alexandra
Falling in Love. (Again.)“Getting to fall in love over and over again when you spend time apart!” -Janelle
[Tweet “Getting to fall in love over and over again when you spend time apart! #joyfulmillifemoment”]
Watching Other Homecomings. “I fly A LOT for my job and watching the airport reunions from a distance is extremely meaningful for me.” -Heather
Surprising Loved Ones. “Getting to come home for family get-togethers is so special now that we live apart. One time I surprised my family by just showing up. There were lots of screams and tears and a whole lot of joy!” -Tiffany from Seeing Sunshine
Pursuing Dreams. ” I love watching my man pursue his dreams in the military. I can really tell that he loves his job!” -Hannah
Homecoming. “By far the HOMECOMINGS!! Seeing the look on my boy’s faces when they get that first glimpse of their Dad is priceless!!” -Danya
The Mailbox. “Receiving a letter in the mail from my husband after being apart was a huge joy to me. While he was at LDAC for a month while we were dating, it was our first time apart. I wrote him a letter every single day and he wrote me a few times a week.” -Tiffany
Adventuring the World. “Exploring new locations together and finding that special favorite place in each place we live.” -Pamela
[Tweet “Exploring new locations together. #joyfulmillifemoment”]
Fini Flights. “Watching fini flights. Fini flights are the last flight that a pilot takes when they stop flying. There are first flights and fini flights (silly string). Both are celebrations, you bring champaign, hoses, and other things. When they land, you spray the pilot/aircrew member with champaign and water. It usually happens before you retire.” -Jodi
Promotions. “Watching my husband when he was promoted to Chief. It was a transitional moment in his career and then being piped ashore at his retirement ceremony and having my Army brother read the watch. The ceremony was beautiful and really showed what a brotherhood he shares with all those who serve.” -Michelle
The Wives and Families. “I have only been to one station in Alaska, but I met some great military wives and families who helped me as I tried to figure out everything as well as opening their homes and creating families wherever they go.” -Angie
Acknowledgment. “Being with my boyfriend somewhere in public when they ask all military active or veteran to stand in acknowledgment of their service before they play the national anthem.” -Melanie
The Thank-Yous. “He is stationed at Kunsan AFB, while off base at a grocery store a Korean man came up to him, shook his hand, and thanked him for serving in Korea. ….so simple, but SO touching.” -Shannon
FaceTime. “Being able to see him via FaceTime after a long work day on both ends, despite the 13 hour time difference.” -Paige
Anticipating Homecoming. “After who knows how long of field training or whatever training my husband leaves for, the time leading up to his return is full of sweet memories and brainstorming ideas to surprise him somehow.” -Angie
The Hug. “When he comes home and holds me for the first time. That’s a big moment every time.” -Jakki
The Helicopters. “Sitting at the beach with helicopters flying over. That sound, smell and sight always makes me smile!” -Danya
The Excitement. “Always going on new adventures in new places together. You forget the stress of the packing, moving and saying goodbyes when you learn all the awesome new things of your new duty station!” -Tiffany
2 Responses
Love this list! We still have 9 months until we see each other again, but I’m already doing a countdown and I’m already excited for the homecoming :) I even have my outfit picked out for if he comes home in December to visit and for when he comes home for good in July haha I’m a bit ahead of myself. I’m also super excited to find out where we’re moving next year!
I have to agree about the excitement of it all! Even though it takes me way out of my comfort zone, I always love how alive it makes me feel knowing there is always a new adventure just around the corner…