Dear child, I would contend that being a military kid is one of the toughest roles you can take on. You didn’t choose this path; your father enlisted, and I married him knowing we were in for a challenging journey. Yet, you and your sister had no choice in the matter. By mere chance, you both became “military kids,” a title you’ve carried with dignity and resilience, making your father and me incredibly proud.
From the moment you entered this world, you were fortunate that Dad was on shore duty. He was there for your entire first year, and we truly cherished that time as a family. He was the one who tucked you in at night and played with you during the day. But, as every military family understands, that chapter doesn’t last forever. At just 14 months old, your father had to leave for deployment.
I’ll never forget the night before he left, watching him rock you to sleep while reading you “My Sailor Dad.” We both cried, unsure of how you would cope with his absence. I still remember the heartbreaking moment when we had to leave him on the ship, and you clung to his neck, repeatedly calling out “Dada.” How do you explain to a toddler that their father is leaving for reasons they can’t possibly comprehend?
The first few weeks were tough; I was pregnant with your sister, and we were adapting to a new reality. You were more attached than ever, but soon enough, you adjusted to our new normal. We kept in touch with Dad through FaceTime and programs like United Through Reading, which helped bridge the gap. You asked daily when he would return, and your joy during his homecoming was unforgettable. Nothing will ever compare to the pride your father and I felt for how bravely you handled it all.
As for our little girl, even in your first moments of life, you instinctively learned what it meant to have a military father. Dad made it back just in time for your birth, but he was called away for a training exercise right after. We both felt the weight of him missing your grand entrance into the world, yet we told ourselves, “It is what it is.” The night before he left again, he worried whether you would ever forgive him for not being there—not just for your birth, but for countless other milestones, like birthdays and school events, where your classmates’ fathers would be present.
I reassured him that you both would understand. Growing up as military kids will undoubtedly present challenges, requiring you to find inner strength to persevere. Your father has made the brave choice to serve his country, and while it will impact you in ways we never anticipated, always remember that whether we are together or separated by oceans, we are immensely proud of you both.
For families looking to support military children, I encourage you to explore resources like United Through Reading or Operation Homefront.
In summary, being a military kid is no easy feat, but my children handle the challenges with remarkable grace. They may not have chosen this life, but they carry it with pride, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.
Keyphrase: proud of military kids
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