Christmas Overseas

All around us our friends are leaving for deployment. It’s only recently that the U.S. Navy has been deploying service members who are also stationed overseas. It’s not unusual to be given as little notice as one or two weeks. This can be a double hardship for the families who already feel isolated in another country. They are now further split apart as a key member leaves for an often unknown length of time. The children and family left behind often experience loneliness, frustration and anger, even depression.

Being a military wife, I have learned to let go of expectations. I have become good at turning a challenging situation into a positive experience. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous that my husband may be sent away. I’d also be lying if I didn’t acknowledge how hard it is to be in another country without our family. But I’m proud to be serving our country and I want my children to feel lucky and proud as well.

Military life is different and it can be hard. I’ve found that one of the keys to coping is just acknowledging that fact and then reaching out to others. Tonight we’ll be making Christmas cards for deployed service members. It’s the least we can do to show our deep appreciation for those that are also separated from their loved ones during the holiday. It doesn’t take much time to reach out and send a note. Tonight we’ll let our soldiers know that we miss them and pray for their safe return. May we all remember to be thankful for the families we have near and far.

Sheila Cason, MD