How to Deal When a Loved One is in the Military

There are a lot of emotions that course through you when you find out that your son, your daughter, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a fiancée, anyone who is very close to you, has enlisted in any form of the military and are being shipped out in just a few months time. Through this emotional rollercoaster it is important to remember that it is their decision and you are ultimately their support, their pillar of strength. During these hardships there are a few things to help you pass the time.

Being Social.

It is imperative to talk about it, holding emotions in has never done any good to anyone. There are times, when you may not feel like talking about anything to anyone and other times you may just feel like punching a wall. Keep in mind it is also important to talk to someone who understands and cares who is willing to listen to you and give you their undivided attention. You don't want to mull over to the grumpy neighbor next door who will only tell you that you and your family are nothing but a bunch of crazies! Negative social interaction will only force you into a bigger depression, or cloud your head with emotional doubt that would put even more strain on your relationship with your loved one, so it is best to avoid it. For more support there are even social networks online where you can keep in contact with other military families/wives:

· http://www.helpamilitarywife.com/ This website has a multitude of other links and resources to keep you connected to other military families and to help and support them as well.

· http://www.marineparents.com/ A website dedicated to parents of Marines, how to send them care packages and keep in touch.

Find an Outlet/Hobby.

There are many artistic outlets that are good for venting all your emotional frustrations on, such as writing, painting, photography, music, to name a few. All of which when you finish with them you could enter them into exhibits, contests, or publish them for further accomplishment. Finding a hobby that you enjoy that helps to pass the time is also another good way to release your worries, for example, building model cars or trains (also boats or planes), coin or stamp collecting, become a member of a local group or charity and volunteer your time for others.

Remember them.

Even though there are times when you should not keep watching the clock and waiting for your loved one to call, there should also be times when you just sit and think about them and smile or laugh remembering a fond memory. Write them letters, reminiscing about the past and what you hope for the future, send them care packages, things that they invariable miss after being gone so long. Keep them in your prayers at night.

Any and all of these are good distractions in helping to keep your mind from stressing out, it is also healthy to keep remembering your loved one as they were, as they have grown up, and how they will be when they rejoin your home. God Bless!