Friends, do you get a lump in your throat and tears in your eyes when you see a soldier sneak up, or enter a room to surprise his or her spouse; or surprise a child in a classroom, or at daughter or son’s graduation? I mean, the thrilling patriotic pride overpowers your emotions.

Without our soldiers, in all branches of the US military, we would not have our price paid freedom. As we fly our flags, see the Air Force jets flying high above us, or a US Navy ship departing from our shores; have you ever said a prayer, or stepped up to help care for the families left behind?

The following testimonial blog is from a military wife. What she shares, may enlighten you a little more, as to what may, take place in the home; when loved ones wave goodbye to their  military husband or wife.

The Rich and Michelle Coolman Family

  “As a military spouse and mother of three growing children, I can say deployments have not been much fun at all. Once my husband leaves for a week, a month, or a year, I became mommy, daddy and anything else that gets thrown at me.

I remember talking to my husband once when he was in Kuwait and he had been sleeping a lot on his days off. I thought, ‘Must be nice to sleep in. I’m stuck at home holding down the fort, paying the bills, keeping the house clean, and raising YOUR children, and you, sleep in’.

I can honestly say our first major separation, once all three children were born, was very difficult on me. I had two children still in diapers and one just starting Kindergarten and I was doing home childcare, watching three other children.

I had an amazing support system from my mom, sister and awesome church family; but to me it wasn’t enough. I was always tired at the end of a day. I was mad at my husband for leaving us (like he had a choice), and I thought no one could possibly understand what I was going through.

The devil used this to his advantage and I slowly stopped going to church. (I mean I could sleep when the kids did, if I didn’t have to get them up and dressed on Sunday. God would understand right?) Boy, was I wrong.

My marriage took a huge curve and instead of loving my husband and supporting him, the way I should have done; I began to resent him.

For the most part, our phone conversations became nothing more than bickering. I felt horrible and my husband was thousands of miles away; in harms way, and I was making him feel guilty. He kept saying to me. ‘You don’t realize how much I want to be there to help you’. I was so caught up in myself, that I had in my mind that he was on a vacation and was enjoying being without us.

In reality, he thoroughly missed his duties as a dad and husband.

His next deployments got a bit easier but I would still find myself feeling sorry for me and getting frustrated with Rich. When I was feeling this way, I got down on my knees and prayed to God and asked Him to help me. He would put people in my life to help me out during these long months of separation.

I could then, put myself in my husbands shoes and have some sympathy for him instead of envying him.

He was the one who missed Christmas mornings, birthdays, first steps and words from our little ones. I got  to cherish those memories forever where he just had the thoughts of me telling him about it or seeing pictures of these special family events.

As we prepare to retire from the Air Force and focus on where God is directing us; I can look back at the life of a military wife as a true blessing in my life.

Rich and I have overcome so much in our 14 years of marriage. It has made us stronger but more importantly, it has made our relationship with our God stronger.”

As a side note, Michelle is in her second year of leading “It’s 4 uMom” for military wives in the Dayton, Ohio area. She has a heart for these wonderful moms and their children.

Thank you Michelle and a thank you Rich for your service to our country. April 13, 2016, Richard J. Coolman retired from the US Air Force. Thank you Sir. We salute you!!

May we pray more earnestly for all military and their families. This is the least we can do; when they are fighting for us, to remain free.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.                                                              And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.      Philippians 4:6-7

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men.                                                                                     For Kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.                                                                           For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;                                                                                       who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  I Timothy 2:1-4

 

( King James Version)