Why I’m tired of people thanking my husband for his service

In the quiet moments when the house echoes with the absence of his laughter, and I find myself standing alone at the kitchen counter, I can't help but wonder why the world thanks my husband for his service in the Navy.

The gratitude is genuine, but what about the countless missed birthdays, the doctor appointments navigated solo, the significant milestones celebrated in solitude?

It's not that I don't appreciate the sentiment; it's just that I've come to understand a deeper, more complex truth.

He chooses us, every day that he can.

But in the midst of his noble service, there's an intricate tapestry of moments missed, especially poignant when it comes to our children.

I see it in their eyes during the milestones he can't witness—the triumphs and challenges that shape their growth.

The proud smile they flash while receiving an award at a school ceremony, their gaze searching the audience for a familiar face that, due to duty, remains absent. Just mama, as always. 👋🏽

These are the heart-wrenching instances where the void left by his absence becomes palpable, yet it's in these moments that the strength of our family truly shines.

Together, we navigate the bittersweet terrain of growing up, learning, and achieving, always holding onto the hope that one day soon, he'll be present for these precious moments.

The bedtime stories he misses, the school events he can't attend, and the football games he coaches on weekends he is actually here—it's all a testament to his unwavering dedication to our family.

But when duty calls, he answers, leaving behind a trail of memories that he hopes will be enough to sustain us until his return.

He's not just a Navy sailor; he's a father, a husband, a coach, and a silent hero who bears the weight of protecting the country.

As the days pass, I've learned to see beyond the surface-level gratitude and acknowledge the sacrifices that make up the fabric of our lives.

It's emotionally draining to watch him miss out on moments that can never be reclaimed, but in the midst of the exhaustion, there's a profound understanding that what he does is bigger than us.

It's a sacrifice that extends beyond our home, beyond our embraces, and beyond the ordinary.

So, to those who thank him for his service, I want them to know that it's not just about the uniform or the flag.

It's about the countless hours spent away from the warmth of family, the missed "I love you" before bedtime, and the longing in his eyes as he glimpses our lives through emails and phone calls.

As tired as I may be of the constant appreciation for his military service, I am also grateful.

Grateful for the sacrifices that make our family stronger, for the resilience that grows within us, and for the love that transcends distance and time.

In the end, this exhaustion is a small price to pay for the privilege of standing by a man who serves with honor and commitment.

So, thank you, not just for acknowledging his role in the Navy but for recognizing the depth of sacrifice that defines our journey—a journey of love, resilience, and the unwavering spirit that accompanies the choice to protect and serve.

Lots of love,

Nichole