For a Season or a Lifetime?

This weekend I had the pleasure of visiting with one of the amazing Army Wives I've met in my travels.  We first became friends 5 years ago while our husbands attended the same school, and there was an instant connection.  I was stationed 4 hours away, and she was stationed at the same post as this school.  The boys were 6 months old and seeing her smiling face made the journey worth it.  We've stayed in contact throughout this time apart and now I feel truly blessed that we are finally at the same duty station!

We made plans to have her family over for dinner, and Cooper started referring to it as "The Feast."  This then evolved into a costume party for the kids, and even involving the boys in picking the menu.  After a few hours of great conversation, and watching the kids run and play together, I walked them through the door and reveled in the amount of joy I felt.  I was truly blessed to have such an amazing person in my life, and especially so close.

Moving to Texas also brought us within 3 hours of my mom and 2 sisters, as well as another friend just 3 hours in the opposite direction.  Can I really be this lucky?

The military offers the unique opportunity to interact with more people than most families that live in the same town/state their entire lives.  It is then that you form friendships and bonds that may be simply for a season or, if you're lucky, for a lifetime.

My friend and I had discussed how we've lost contact with some of the friends before being an Army Wife due to a lack of relatable issues.  I agreed and remembered people I couldn't seem to life without during Nursing School, but then once we graduated the interaction seemed less vital to my survival.  This isn't saying those relationships aren't as important (because I would not have survived without their help), but as we grow and change, so do our needs.
I am so thankful for the friends I have made in my life because they:

• kept me sane in High School
• helped me navigate Army Life
• built my confidence and gave me support in the absence of my Sexy Beast
• would sing along to my internal jukebox and bring a smile to my face
• consume copious amounts of caffeine while studying into the wee hours of the morning
• would watch me grow and support my decisions
• wouldn't hesitate to drop a truth bomb when necessary
• would assist me in conquering things I didn't know I was capable of
• often lended a supportive ear
• set a great example and gave me a desire to emulate their passion.

Whether you believe everything happens for a reason or not, I am grateful.  It would've been hard to survive my crazy life if it without the innumerable people that I've been blessed to meet.  Each and every person has made an impact, assisting me in the journey to become the best Mary I can be.