When I’m feeling the weight of the military lifestyle I make a list of all the things in life that I am grateful for. By acknowledging all the good things it will relativize all the bad things, or at least that’s what I tell myself. My list includes people like my husband and family, my pets, my health, my friends, and my military community – or as I call them, my military family.

We’ve assembled our military family slowly and carefully over the years, one friendship at a time. A lot of our military family is from my husband’s connections and friends, but our local family is always thanks to tie and relationships that I build with my peers.

My military family has been there for me in instances where my family hasn’t been able to, or when they just can’t relate to what I’m living. They’ve been there to help me; during long absences, heartache, and long winters, always ready with a bottle of wine and an ear to listen. They’ve also been there to help me move across base to a different house; working for pizza and donuts in the cold on Halloween. We’ve all been through a lot together and I look forward to many future memories.

I can now also say that they’ve been there for me during a time of grief and mourning, a time of loss. We recently lost one of our brothers in arms - my husband’s best friend. We lost him tragically at the end of September, and we’re only now coming to terms with the impact his absence will have on our lives. He was part of my military family and one of my best friends. He was my husband by proxy during my husband’s absences, and a regular at our dinner table and around the summer fire. I miss him and I miss our friendship every day now. My husband has been taking it all in stride and is dealing with it in his own way. We’ll get through this.

With news of his passing our military family kicked into high gear on our behalf. I wasn’t home at the time, and until I got home 24hrs later, I leaned on my military family to envelop us in love and support. They brought us meals, took care of the dog, and kept my husband company. They listened on the other end of the phone when I had nothing to say, and handed me a Kleenex when tears rolled down my cheeks. They were the pat on the back and the last ones to leave at night.

This isn’t the first loss for several of our military family friends, so they knew what to expect and knew what we would need. We needed space, time, and food. And for that, I will forever be thankful to our military family. They showed us the love and support that we didn’t know we needed at a time when we were navigating the unknown. I think I’ve eaten enough casseroles and sympathy muffins for the next decade though!

Life goes on though. As we continue to live our lives full of love and happiness, we will remember him and we will remember our military family for all they did. We’ll also continue to contribute to our community and be there when they need us.

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Bio

Ariel is a home decor and DIY blogger offering accessible home décor and affordably DIYs to military families and those living in base housing. She enjoys the thrill of the hunt when looking for that perfect piece and has never passed-up a good build project or furniture overhaul. Her eclectic style and love of bold colors used simply makes for compelling decor. She currently lives in Québec, Canada with her husband – a member of the Canadian Armed Forces – and their three pets. Come see what she’s all about at www.pmqfortwo.com. Follow her on instagram and Pinterest.