Hi, SMW! I just wanted to pop in, say hello, and say how much you've truly inspired me. I'm new here, and when I got to this community, one of the first threads I found was yours. Over the past few days, I've read through your many threads, and I just wanted to say that you truly are an inspiration. There are some similarities in our sitchs, and I can honestly say that reading about your journey has helped me to be stronger and more objective.
Your story has taught me a lot about resilience and fortitude.
Your story has also helped to reinforce a lesson that I only recently learned. I am very ashamed to admit that I spent much of my life living in fear of being a military wife (my husband was a MArine before we married) because I had some really pathetic prejudices in my mind. I am not proud to admit that, but I have to be honest with myself. I have alot of childhood issues that make me fear being a mother, a caregiver, and a true wife. I've had lots of preconceived negative perceptions of military wives because of my own unfair negativity towards my mom (not a military wife, but a SAHM and a really wonderful, giving woman that has sacrificed alot - including her self-esteem - for me), and my unfounded fears of finding myself in a situation similar to hers. As I've grown older, I've shed a lot of those misconceptions, and reading about your journey removed the final remaining scale from my eyes.
You are a woman to be respected, and you have taught me that a strong, driven, intelligent woman can also be kind and giving and supportive without diminishing herself in any way.
You're an amazing lady, and you are really doing a great job. I hope everything works our for you.
Scratch that. I know that everything will work out for you, and that God has great plans for you.
