Wide World of Women

MSM: What words of advice, if any, have you received from other military spouses about marrying an Army officer?

BK: Fernando is currently on his sixth combat deployment but it’s the first one that I have gone through. In advance of his deployment the piece of advice I received most often from other military spouses was to ask for help while he was away. After hearing it repeatedly from different people, I decided there was a good reason it was being passed on, so I have taken it to heart. “I’m pregnant so chores that require balancing on a ladder are no longer doable.” I have enlisted my friend’s husband to come over and change air filters and hard-to-reach light bulbs or lift things I cannot. If one of my friend’s is grocery shopping I will tack on a request. At first I was going to my doctor appointments and ultrasounds alone but for my next one I am asking one of my girlfriends to go with me. I’m so grateful for the advice I’ve received from seasoned military spouses and I have so much respect for them, both men and women, dealing with various issues on their own.