Before I proceed with my post I would like to acknowledge the sacrifices of nine American troops who died on Monday, April 3. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.
Today I went Internet hunting for resources for military wives. We’re a tough bunch; we support our husbands, run a household and raise our children…many times as a single parent while our husbands are deployed. Yet, even the strongest of us needs to reach out once in a while.
This can be difficult for some wives who might worry that others will think they are weak or “don’t have it all together” like the rest of the wives do. Ha! I’ve been a military wife for nearly 10 years now and let me tell you, we all have our moments where we feel we just can’t do it another day. When my husband was deployed last summer there were nights when I’d put the girls to bed, make myself a pot of coffee and sit down to a good cry.
Avoiding your feelings of being overwhelmed and worried you can’t keep it together is, in my opinion, a million times worse than admitting them. I’ve seen what bottling it up does to a person and I can tell you it isn’t anything good.
So where can a military wife turn to when she needs some emotional support but either doesn’t feel comfortable talking with friends or is at a new base and doesn’t have anyone to confide in? Here are some great resources to check out:
US Military Wives
Militarywives.com– This is a website owned and operated by a retired marine couple named BJ and Cindy. Here you will find information on everything from what to include in a care package to an online cookbook. They also have an extensive support forum with categories for each type of military wife (air force, marine, etc.). Here you will find other ladies going through the same situations you are and will be willing to lend a sympathetic ear.
Military Spouse Magazine– A magazine dedicated solely to supporting and aiding military wives. This bi-monthly publication covers topics ranging from financial to spiritual. Subscriptions are $12.00 per year and can be purchased online or through the mail.
Chicken Soup for the Military Wife’s Soul– If you just need a little down time and proof that you’re not alone try curling up with this inspirational book.
Canadian Military Wives
The Camouflage Rose– A website dedicated to supporting Canadian military wives. Here you will find books written by and for military wives, news updates and articles written by military wives.
The Canadian Military Wives Newsgroup– an MSN mailing group for military wives. Share your thoughts, experiences and make some new friends.