A Heavy Heart…

Today we had annual training at work about Suicide Prevention & Domestic Violence.  The lady who lead the training is one of the first responders for our Ft. Bliss community, so she has vast knowledge of what is happening in our community.  It is no secret being in the military is a stressful life.  Many of us play so many roles in our families lives that is downright amazing.  On any given day, one parent has to be two parents, hold down a full time job, care for a number of children (sometimes other’s children too), cook dinner, solve homework problems, console broken hearts, wipe away “I miss my daddy or mommy” tears, pay all the bills, make the left over money last until the 1st or the 15th, worry about their spouse, wonder about what the future holds, dreams of the next duty station since it is inevitable that the family will be moving in about 3 years, etc.  I could go on and on.  Needless to say it takes a strong family to be a military family.

Today, I had a reminder that not all families are cut out for the life.  Many suffer from the life whether it being financial issues or emotional issues stemming from the lifestyle.  Just in our community this week, there has been an incident every day where our Family Advocacy Team had to assist and respond.  Just from Monday to Friday over 6 reported incidents happened.  I pray every day that each family is able to make it through today.  Every family has their ups and downs, some more then others.  It’s about how you handle it.  I know that most of you out there are military families.  I started this blog because I have friends and family all over.  This is an easy way to stay updated with everyone and share our every day lives.  Today I want to say thank you for all you do.  Way too often, we fall under stereotypes that affect us negatively.  Being a military family is honorable and a tough job. 

For those of you that may not be in the military, you all have different stressors that no less important then a military family, they are just different.  Please don’t get offended, it’s just that being a military family ourselves and working directly with the military, it is the military family that is weighing on my heart today.

This holiday season, I encourage you to pray and encourage those all families.  It’s a hard time of year for some.  Make sure you are keeping an extra ear open for situations that may be hazardous to the well being of those close to you.  Even though Christmas is a happy time, memories aren’t always happy and can be a reminder for some.  Be supportive to those who seem like it is a bit harder this year.  Sometimes just a simple “hey I was thinking about you today and thought we could chit chat for a few” might make a world of difference to that person when they have a million things to do and is overwhelmed.  A listening ear does wonders.  You can make the difference.  My commander at work is always telling us to “GET MAD” get engaged to make a difference, you can be the person!