Starting anew, again

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexander Flanery
  • 316th Training Squadron
Will we live on or off base? Will we rent or buy? Do we want a townhouse or a single family home? Which neighborhoods are the best to live, close to shopping and good schools? Speaking of, which schools are recommended? What is the weather like at our new station? What will we do on the weekends for fun? What is near the base for visiting or sightseeing? What is the cost of living in the area? Will we be able to afford the fun things? How far will we have to commute if we live off base? Will my children make new friends? Will my wife make new friends? Will my family be happy?

I dread and love every one of these questions. I agonize and savor pondering every answer. This is an adventure; military life is an adventure; everyday life is an adventure. I get nervous and excited thinking about not knowing where my family and I will live two years from now; five years from then.

I have been blessed with a resilient family, primarily due to the strength of my wife. Even in the face of adversity she finds the positive in every situation. She prepares my young children, still too young to attend school daily, for the future endeavors by focusing on the adventure. She teaches them to embrace the unknown rather than fear it. My wife focuses on a new neighborhood to be explored, new friends to be made, old friends to be remembered and new stores to be shopped.

My children would make wonderful pirates, sailing the seven seas for the sheer thrill rather than a specific destination. My daughter, the siren, lures you in with her innocent smiles and glances; enamors you with her simple questions and undoubtable observations. My son, the explorer, has yet to learn fear of the unknown and wins the hearts of all with his devilish grin and enchanting charm. My kids are curious, inquisitive and friendly and have no problem making new friends; they get that from their mom.

My wife has learned to adapt, to be more outgoing and seek opportunities to meet people rather than wait for opportunities to find her. We have watched friends wither and sulk following a PCS, allowing misery to overcome them. My wife is resilient; strong.

My wife and I learned years ago to remember yesterday, live for today and keep an eye on tomorrow. We have no magical answer for coping with military life, to include moving on a regular basis. We embrace it with optimism. We understand that this life is not for everyone, and someday it will no longer be for us.

Regardless of where we are stationed, where we live or which schools my children attend, there is one constant that will not change - my family will be together. No matter where I am, there they are. Everything else will work itself out. Everything else is an adventure.