You’ve gone through all the pre-deployment briefings. You’ve prepared your finances, obtained the requisite Power of Attorneys, printed out the list of emergency phone numbers, and placed candy kisses in a jar for your kids’ deployment countdowns.
If you’ve been through your spouse deploying a time or ten, then you’re well acquainted with our old friend, Murphy’s Law. With that in mind, just so we don’t jinx ourselves, we polled some of our military friends who shared their experiences with us about things we should absolutely never ever say while our spouses are deployed.
Let’s face it—the worry and extra responsibilities do not tend to equal good sleep!
We’d never tempt fate this way...would we?
-Kara, Air Force spouse
We love our family and friends, but we are most definitely not “company ready” right at the moment.
-Molly, Love the Everyday
Every deployment, I’m like, I got this. And life goes, “You think so, huh? Bring on Level 5!”
-Courtney, The Mediocre Mommy
One thing you can you say about military families...we love our paperwork!
-Meg, Meg Flanagan Education Solutions
Yes, we love our kids, but MilitaryByOwner writer Dawn M. Smith reminds us that too much of a good thing...well, it's too much!
GAH. No, just no!
Because the best-laid plans are also subject to the demands of deployment!
-Kellie, MILLIE
Or another extended family member you don’t wish to spend that much quality time with...Now, just to be fair, some of us don’t feel this way, but this was definitely NOT the wish of this anonymous sharer.
Why, why, why? Quick! Knock on wood!
Nope, no way. Military spouses are known for their creative, can-do handling of life. We’ve got this!
-Alexis from MILLIE
Milspouses are the best friends and kid watchers ever, but let’s be honest, patience for more kids around is in short supply when we’re already solo parenting.
-Danette, Air Force spouse
House-training a puppy? Sounds like a plan....
-Maggie, How to Milspouse
Not just for OPSEC and PERSEC, but because there's no point in getting everyone's hopes up. It always changes!
-Laura, Air Force spouse
Because we know that yes, yes, it could.
-Kelly of Kelly Seeks
Oh wait, yes I do….well, that’s what pizza delivery, Uber Eats, and drive-throughs are for!
-Melissa, Air Force spouse
But cereal and toast can feature several times a week for dinner, no probs.
-Mary Ann Eckberg, MilitaryByOwner writer
Ok, actually most military moms will agree that timing doesn’t really matter once you have that precious bundle in your arms!
-Lizann, The Seasoned Spouse
But is it…The time will pass—eventually!
-Megan, The Six Box
Cue the eye rolling!
-Kat, retired spouse
Nothing says love like showing your home to strangers while also getting ready for a move cross-country!
-Kim, She Is Fierce
When it comes down to it, much as we may complain, we military families truly live the meaning of Mission First.
-Doug, The Military Guide
And even though we agree that the above are things we wouldn’t say...one feeling is common as we tick off the days and our loved one is finally headed home.
To all those deployed and their families waiting at home, we wish you all the best, few problems, and a speedy return of your servicemember!
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