The Toughest Solider

Being a mom is the toughest yet most rewarding job I have ever had. There’s constant second guessing, mom guilt, and burnout. But then there are those smiles, giggles, and hugs that make everything so worth it. I hate when I have to leave my kiddos and always look forward to those hugs when I return. If being a mom who is always there is challenging, imagine what it must be like being a mother in the military. These mothers have to leave at the drop of a hat. They miss huge events in their children’s lives and live with the constant fear of their children forgetting them while on deployment. Not only that, but there’s the worry about the added stress on the spouse or caretaker of their kids. Of course, people will ask why they stay in if it bothers them so much, but it’s not that simple. These mothers not only have a strong love for their children but also for their country. So how do they handle being a mom when they’re so far away?

First, they need a strong and understanding bond with their spouse, partner, or caretaker of their child—someone who will help their child understand the important job their mom is doing while they are gone. They strongly rely on modern technology when they are away from home, constantly calling or FaceTiming their children any chance they get. Some mothers write letters or send gifts to make them feel more present in their families’ lives. When they are home, they take tons of pictures and teach their children that even though they miss holidays and other events, the time spent together—no matter when it is—is the most important thing. Finally, they lean on other mothers who are deployed or stationed with them, helping each other get through the challenging times of being away from their families.

Being a mom is hard. But being a mother while active in the military is so much harder. Soldiers are tough, but a soldier who is also a mother is the toughest one out there.