I just got back from Jacksonville's Olive Garden...which was lovely (thank you Will Ferrell!)
Seriously. It was lovely. I met up with one of my friends from good, ole Springfield, Missouri. I met Sophia (the blonde with the striped shirt) back when she was in college. I worked with her older sister, Tiffany, for several years. Tiffany was the 5 p.m. producer at one of my former news stations, and she is still one of my favorite people on earth. Anyway... Sophia has since married a Marine, moved out of the Midwest, had three babies and is living near Camp Lejeune. How did she pass me up in adulthood? It will take me years to catch up with her! Tonight, I drove up to see her because she and her friends were putting on a girls night out... or moms night out! And boy, did it sound like they needed it. I heard so many funny things come out of their mouths, like "combat cuddlin'" and where to find the best "eye candy" around town (just for fun.) It was highly entertaining! At the same time, I realized what sacrifices they make on a daily basis...without them even realizing they were telling me. They were giggling and laughing... so happy to be away from the kiddos for a couple of hours. But as they were talking, I learned a lot about the sacrifices they make to keep their families together. They've all dealt with multiple deployments. Four or more. They can't plan their futures because they don't know where they'll be in two years. Should they buy a house? If so, when? What happens to the house when they move? What if one of the kids gets sick while their husband is deployed? Who will babysit when something goes wrong? What happens when someone breaks into their house while their husband is gone? A couple of them can't sleep at night. I was amazed at their strength, and I think it hit home with me because they are around my age. I can barely stand living separately from my husband (as we try to sell our house in Missouri)... I can't imagine sending him off to a foreign place in a dangerous situation! Anyway... they were amazing women, and I know I'll see them again. They all have very good sense of humors, and I can't wait to go up to Jacksonville soon for a few laughs. I feel like I need to borrow a baby so I can really be a part of the club!
7 Comments
Sophia
2/12/2011 11:20:54 pm
Love the post- it's AWESOME! ;-) I'm so glad you came up to hang out with us... can't wait to do it again!!!
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MichelleLiTV
2/13/2011 01:31:37 am
Sophie! I am so glad I came up. Can't wait to see you again.
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Tiffany
2/13/2011 05:24:54 am
Michelle, I'm so glad you got to hang out with Sophie and the girls. Sounds to me like you needed a night out for some fun too (kids or no kids). You work waaaayyy too hard!! Hee Hee. You are so sweet and empathetic and one of the best listeners I know. Glad you all had a great time "making memories" together. :) Miss you xxoo, Tiff
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Michelle
2/13/2011 06:11:38 am
Tiffany!!!! I miss you! It was a lot of fun. You should've hopped on the plane to get here. :)
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Michelle, so great meeting you! We definitely had fun that night! You're right, we rarely think about our lifestyle as one sacrifice after another. It's just who we are and how we live, and everyone deals with the military challenges in their own way. But I appreciate your outsider's view and respect. That means a lot. I have recently started a military blog, to gather experience and insight from other military spouses, and hopefully offer advice and support to others. If you want to check it out, it's http://llightfoot.blogspot.com/. I hope to see you again soon!
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Michelle Li TV
2/14/2011 08:14:53 am
Lizann! It's so true, though. I'm going to share your blog as a link on my FB page.
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