By: Emily
Dear son, I would argue that being a military child is one of the most challenging roles in the armed forces. You didn’t choose this path; your father made the commitment to serve, and I chose to stand by him, knowing we’d face difficulties ahead. But you and your sister had no say in the matter. By mere chance, you both became “military brats,” and I couldn’t be prouder of how you’ve embraced this life with such poise.
Son, you were fortunate that your dad was on shore duty when you came into the world. He was there for your entire first year, and we had the chance to bond as a family. Your father was there to read bedtime stories and share precious moments with you. However, as every military family knows, this bliss is often fleeting. At just 14 months old, your dad had to deploy.
I still vividly recall him rocking you the night before he left, reading you a story about sailors. Both of us were in tears, unsure of how you would cope with his absence. The memory of you crying as we said goodbye, clinging to his neck and calling out “Dada,” still tugs at my heart. How do you explain to a toddler that their father is leaving to serve a purpose they can’t grasp?
The initial weeks were tough. Not only was I pregnant with your sister, but adjusting to this new reality was no easy feat. You were even more attached than usual, but you adapted quickly. We kept in touch with your dad through FaceTime while he was at sea, and resources like United Through Reading helped bridge the gap.
Every day, you asked when Daddy would return, and I’ll never forget the joy you showed at his homecoming. But amidst that happiness, your father and I felt immense pride in how you handled everything. We know the journey ahead will be long, but we believe you will continue to face every challenge with grace.
To our daughter, from the moment you entered this world, you began to understand what it meant to have a father in the military, even if you didn’t fully realize it. Your dad made it back just in time for your birth, but shortly after, he was called away for training, missing those first precious moments. It broke both our hearts to not have him there, but we maintained the mindset of “It is what it is.”
The night before he left, your father worried whether you would ever forgive him for not being there—not just for your birth, but for all the milestones he would miss: birthdays, school events, and soccer games that other dads would attend. I assured him that you both would understand. Growing up as military brats will undoubtedly present challenges, but you will find strength within yourselves. Your dad bravely chose to serve his country, and while it will affect you in ways we never anticipated, always remember that whether together or separated by miles, we are incredibly proud of our military children.
If you’re looking for ways to support military families, consider checking out United Through Reading or Operation Homefront, which do fantastic work in our communities. For more insights into family life and parenting, be sure to explore this blog post on Cervical Insemination or visit Make A Mom for reputable home insemination kits. Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about IVF, Healthline is an excellent resource.
In summary, being a military child is no easy feat, but with love and support, my kids have shown resilience that makes me proud every day.