This is a picture of our moving truck showing up after we had moved into our on-base housing complex. My children and I had been using loaner furniture and living out of our suitcases for 4 days. I wasn't uncomfortable, but I immediately craved the familiar things we'd left behind. Due to the pandemic, we had to quantity for 20+ days before we arrived at the day you see in the picture. To say I was excited was an understatement.
As the movers entered our new home with our belongings, my children felt the same excitement I did as they saw their larger toys fill their new rooms. I had began unpacking as soon as the first box was placed on the floor, eager to make our new living space feel more like home.
My family has successfully made an overseas military move, and we are safe and sound. But I'd be telling fibs if I didn't admit the transition has been rough. My children have also felt the change, and they struggled a bit but much less than I expected. This transition has taught me things that I don't believe I knew before, given this brand new experience.
My children are growing at a rate so fast that I feel like I'm barely keeping up, and that also means they are learning at twice that rate. They are smart, creative, and sweet little humans that crave attention. They've always had my husband and I there to support their needs, but this is the first time they've been without Daddy for more than 4 days. I have seen a side of them that I've never had to see before: frustration. They know where Daddy is, but they don't understand that he has to be away at times. They get more fussy, sleep less, and take on new habits. Most of which involve telling me "no".
Above all of this, I've also seen something else in them: resilience. They have moments, but they still remain who they are to the core and keep going. Playing, smiling, laughing, enjoying their little lives. That's a lesson in itself. For my kids, I keep going, just as they do.
As for me, I've learned that under a lot of stress, I'm not as flexible as I thought I was. I don't like relying on others to get what I need done and I don't like changes, especially with two little ones to care for. But I AM flexible. Because I've had to be.
Making this transition has not left a lot of time for me. I haven't had the time I used to have to write, post on social media, connect with fellow authors and the like. I have had to carve out and create the time. That in itself is difficult because at a time when everything seems to be on my shoulders, have to be selfish if I want to get any of my personal goals and desires done. Every day is a challenge. However, it has allowed me to get rid of the riff raff and focus solely on necessity. Do I really need this? That? My intentions are much clearer now.
I miss my husband, even though he isn't usually gone for long. I've realized now how well we work together as partners, making the household run without a hitch. I definitely feel his absence. It's exhausting just to think about it. The one thing I've learned to love about his leaving, is having the chance to create the home for him to come home to.
I've cried a lot throughout this transition: from being sad, feeling alone, being frustrated, and missing my family. I allow myself to feel what I feel, then I dry my face and move on. Everything starts and ends with me right now, and I can't stay down for long. I've got to keep moving. My children can't feed themselves. My job can't work itself. Our house can't clean itself. I could go on and on...
To all of my military wives/moms out there, hang on. Just keep pushing. Keep waking up. Keep crying. Keep having moments. Keep calling for help when you need to. I'm not sure how this transition ends because I'm still in it, but I'm looking forward to being comfortable and my new surroundings being familiar. But like military life goes, by then, it will be time to make the next transition lol!!
P.S. Driving on the left side of the road is super scary, but I haven't scratched up or dented our car! 😂
Until next time...
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