Army Wives

One of my favorite shows to watch is Army Wives because I grew up the kid of a Marine and can relate to many of the daily life struggles that go on each episode. Tonight hit close to home big time. The main characters, the commander of the base was given last minute orders for a big new promotion which required his family (including a teenage daughter) to move out of the country. The news didn't go over too well.

This brought me back to when I was about to enter high school and my Dad got orders to move from NC to Quantico, VA. My sister and I were beyond devestated. I had a great group of friends and was excited to move on to high school with them I was involved in a lot of activities and was looking forward to playing "big time" sports and participate in fun activities I had heard about going on at JHS. After MANY tears and loud arguments, we moved and we had to start all over again. Not only was I starting high school, but I was starting with no one I knew.

The first year was difficult. I was so mad at my parents that I hardly spoke to them. The schools were much more difficult--I went from a straight A student to getting Cs and Ds. I was bitter because so many of the activities that I was involved in weren't offered there because

In the end I was able to adjust and realize now how fortunate I was to be able to spend my four years of high school in the same school. I had a great group of teachers who took time to help out and new each of their students and families well. We had little of the pressures and junk that kids in the public/larger schools had to face.

I guess that I am older (and perhaps wiser) I understand the opportunities I had growing up the child of a Marine. I got to live in many different unique places and travel across most of the US. Especially in Quantico I met people from different cultures from all over the world that came to train. I understand what true sacrifice is for a soldier who gives up everything to fight for our freedom.

Mom had a sign in the house that said "Home is Where the Marine Corps Sends You." No matter where we were or if we had a "house" we always had our family which made our home complete. We have lived in some interesting places which challenged us, but we made it a home. So if you are living in a place and keep sitting around saying how horrible it is, then it will probably never be good. BUT if you get out and learn and explore a little think of what you can learn!