Different Perspectives

As the blog has reached more people - in EVERY possible walk of this journey - I would like to provide outlets for those who can relate to others better. Our family is preparing for R&R - which is incredible - so I will be taking a slight break from the blog in the near future (without saying when). I would like to add a tab to the page with blogs that address the different places this life can both take us and find us. If you have a blog or know of a blog that you would like me to consider adding to this page please email it to me at toloveasoldier@gmail.com.

I am looking for:

A seasoned-wife with several deployments, and duty stations, and all kinds of hoopla under her belt. I love finding these blogs personally because they are a wonderful guide to me.

A female soldier (service member) - I know that female soldiers read this blog and I think your perspective is the hardest to find out there and as I have said before - far too often forgotten.

A girlfriend - I have experienced a deployment as a girlfriend. My husband was in Baghdad soon after we started dating. But I had a very different mindset about this life at the time. I hear ALOT from girlfriends and fiancees. I would love to have someone who blogs often that can give them that "you are not alone, you are not crazy for what you feel" perspective. The struggle to balance the civilian world and the military world that doesn't often recognize you would be very helpful to read about.

A mother of a service member - I have often said I can be married to a soldier but I could not give up my sons. I do not know how a mother carries this but I have every respect for those who do. This is not a choice for them as it is for us (whether you recognize this as a choice or not). It is not the same and too often they also are not introduced to this world as thoroughly as a spouse.

A Marine Spouse, A Navy Spouse, an AF Spouse - I can only speak for the Army life because it is all I know. I know that our struggles and joys are very similar but the language and situations are different.

An OCONUS spouse - anywhere outside the continental USA. Goodness knows I hold a little jealousy towards all of you ; ) but I would love to hear of your journey.

A Reserve/Guard Spouse - You very often do not get the same support as those of us involved in the active side do. Your sacrifice is great. This would be a wonderful way for you all to find support in one another!

A Newly Wed - I hate to tell ya, but when that ring goes onto your finger the army doesn't sprinkle fairy dust on you to make you a pro nor do they issue you your own body army to take on this life. They give you an ID card and tell you not to lose it - and don't! This life is what you make it and you will learn so much better if you watch, listen, and PAY ATTENTION! What better way than to share the little secrets you have learned in the beginning of this journey with others in the same shoes.

A Wife Undergoing or with Experience on Reintegration - I know that so often we see the end of the deployment as the finish line - and in a way it is - but in so many ways it isn't. I have never experienced this as a "wife". I know other's people's stories but I do not have personal experience as a married couple before. If you have blogged about this or would like to write a guest post please email me with info.

If there are any other categories that you would like to hear of please suggest them below and I will look for those as well! Whether you blog just for yourself or if you want to help other spouses I would love to hear from you.

Please include a short bio on you and your blog. Whatever message you want to share so readers will know a bit before they begin reading.

I will say that I want this to be inspirational and I want it to be mostly military life related. If your blog only includes some military - if you have a label that leads to that part that is fine too. Of course this journey is hard - but no one gains strength from only hearing the negative. If you have made a commitment to thrive in this life - I want to read your story and share it with others. Happy blogging!