Dear son, I would contend that being a military child is one of the most challenging roles within the military framework. You didn’t choose this life; your father made the decision to enlist, and I chose to marry him, fully aware of the hurdles that lay ahead. Yet, you and your sister had no voice in this matter. By mere chance of birth, you both became “military brats,” and you’ve embraced this identity with remarkable poise, bringing great pride to your father and me.
Son, you were fortunate that Dad was on shore duty when you entered this world, allowing him to be present for your first year. We had the chance to bond as a family, with him there for bedtime stories and playtime. But as every military family can attest, that stability is fleeting. At just 14 months, your father had to deploy.
I can still recall the evening before he left, watching him rock you gently while reading “My Sailor Dad.” Both of us were in tears, uncertain about how you would cope with his absence. The memory of you crying as we bid farewell on that boat, clinging to his neck and repeating “Dada” over and over, is etched in my mind. My heart broke for you. How do you explain to a toddler why their father must leave, especially when the reason is beyond their comprehension?
The initial weeks were tough. I was pregnant with your sister, and we had to navigate a new lifestyle. You became more clingy than usual, but you eventually adapted to this new routine. We connected with Dad through FaceTime when he was in port and made use of United Through Reading. You asked daily when he would return, and your joy during homecoming was unforgettable. But nothing could compare to the pride your father and I felt in watching you grow through this experience. Though challenges remain, we are confident that you will face them with resilience and grace.
As for our daughter, even at just seconds old, you began to learn what it means to have a military father. Your father made it home from deployment just in time for your birth, only to be called away again for a training exercise, missing your grand entrance into the world. It was a heart-wrenching moment for both of us, but we adopted the mantra, “It is what it is.”
The night before he departed again, he asked me if you would ever forgive him for not being there. His concern extended beyond your birth; he was thinking of all the milestones he would miss—birthdays, school dances, soccer games. Moments when your classmates’ fathers would be present, but he wouldn’t be.
I reassured him that you both would understand. Growing up as military brats will present unique challenges, requiring you to dig deep for strength as you navigate these experiences. Your father’s courageous choice to serve his country will shape your lives in ways we never anticipated.
Always remember, whether together or separated by oceans, we are immensely proud of our military children. For those seeking ways to support military kids, consider looking into Operation Homefront. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out this post for additional information.
In summary, being a military child is a challenging yet rewarding journey. The sacrifices made by military families shape their children’s lives in profound ways. Despite the hurdles, pride in their resilience and adaptability remains ever-present.