I created this page many years ago with the intention of using it to help family stay up-to-date with all of our goings on, but sadly, I just never got into it. Now, many years later, I have finally decided to change the purpose of this blog and try again. This time I plan to use it as a way to help myself remember the important things in my life.
Recently our family went through a lot of changes, several of those changes are still affecting us and causing us stresses we've never encountered before. To really understand what we are faced with right now, I suppose you need a little history...
A little over 12 years ago, my life changed in a way I never thought it would, I became a mom. My beautiful baby girl gave me a new purpose in life. And though I knew that it wouldn't be easy, I promised that no matter what challenges we faced, I would never give up. I got married to her dad just 3 months after she was born. A week later, I was separated from the Army. The very next day, my husband left us for a 1 year deployment to Iraq.
12 years later, we have 4 amazing kids who bring us so much joy each day. But the changes that I mentioned earlier have taken their toll on us. My husband was recently separated from the Army; Medically Retired due to physical ailments he has sustained during his 16 years as an active duty Soldier.
We were given just under 6 months to prepare for this life changing event and every step of the way we have been met with hurdles we could have never imagined. We've always lived on the military installation we were assigned to which means that we've never had to worry about buying a home or having to pay more in rent than the Army paid us. We've never had to worry about utilities such as gas, water, electricity and trash. Health insurance is also a new financial responsibility for us. When in the employment of the Army, health care is included for the most part. Now, we have to pay.
The disability that the VA is supposed to pay us is simply not going to be enough to cover our new expenses. So my husband was forced to find work immediately upon separation. Thankfully prayers were answered and he was able to find employment, but the pay just isn't enough. And so we continue to struggle.
Having to start my photography business over again has also been such a huge task. One that I am sad to say is proving to be more than I am able to handle at the moment. I am getting some business since we arrived at our new home and for that I am grateful. But it isn't anywhere near what I had established in NY and that is causing serious depression for me. It's hard to start over.
We miss NY more than we ever thought possible. The friends we made while stationed there are missed dearly and my kids and I cry often thinking about them.
But giving up isn't an option as we have 4 children who depend on us to take care of them and provide for them as we always have. Each morning it is a challenge for me to find the motivation to get up and take care of them, but somehow I manage. I never thought that being a mom would be this hard. I know that this new adventure is going to be full of challenges, but I am now trying to see the silver linings; the blessings that are given to us each and every day.
Today, I am thankful that even though we are still struggling, at least we're together in a safe, warm home.
I am going to do my best to keep this as up-to-date as I can. So please, feel free to follow along as our family makes this transition. Maybe you'll read something that will inspire you as you follow us on this crazy new journey...
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