A Homecoming to Remember

I’ll never forget the day my husband came home from his first deployment. We had only been dating for three months before he left for nine long months in Poland. At the time, I didn’t know if our relationship would survive the distance, the uncertainty, or the weight of military life that I was only beginning to understand.

When he stepped off that bus, and I finally saw his face again, all of the waiting, all of the letters and late-night calls, melted away. That moment marked the beginning of our “life in uniform” together — full of both challenges and hope.

Two years later, we’re married and raising our beautiful baby boy. Every deployment, every move, and every late-night goodbye has shaped who we are as a family.

The Challenges We Carry

Military family life isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s a journey defined by resilience — and, sometimes, exhaustion. We’re currently preparing for our next Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move to Fort Drum, a 14-hour drive that I’ll be making solo because my husband will be away for a month of training.

It’s not just the logistics — packing, paperwork, and endless planning — that weigh on me. It’s the emotional load, too. Balancing the needs of a baby, managing a household, and keeping spirits high while apart takes its toll. Like so many military spouses, I’ve learned to adapt quickly, to make new places feel like home, and to find my footing again every time we start over.

Triumphs Worth Celebrating

Despite the challenges, our story is filled with victories big and small. I’ve found purpose and community through the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) Military Spouse Writing Program; it’s a space where I can share my experiences and connect with others who understand this life.

I’ve stood beside my husband as he earned his bachelor’s degree and rose through the ranks, watching him grow not only as a service member but as a father. Seeing him cradle our son for the first time after months away reminded me why we endure the hard days — because the love, pride, and growth we share are worth it all.

As I often remind myself: We may be separated by miles, but we’re bound by mission, love, and resilience.

How ASYMCA Bridges the Gaps

Organizations like the ASYMCA make the difference between just surviving and truly thriving. Programs such as Operation Ride Home help families reunite when travel costs might otherwise keep them apart, providing service member support when it’s needed most. Affordable childcare and youth programs enhance stability for kids who are constantly adjusting to new surroundings:

• Children’s Waiting Room: Offers safe, free childcare while parents attend critical medical and mental health appointments.
• After-School Care: Provides consistent support for children, promoting emotional resilience and academic success amid frequent PCS moves or deployments.
• Operation Camp: Gives military kids a chance to connect with peers who understand their unique lifestyle, building confidence and lasting friendships.

• Operation Little Learners: Encourages early childhood development through interactive parent-child education for ages 18 months to 5 years.

• Operation Hero: Supports elementary-aged children facing academic or behavioral challenges by building confidence and life skills in a supportive setting.

These services strengthen military family resilience — helping us carry the load so we can focus on what truly matters: connection, growth, and love.

Double Your Impact for Military Families

This season, your generosity can go twice as far.

Now through December 31, thanks to ASYMCA’s partners at the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, your gift will be DOUBLED — up to $125,000. That means more meals, more care, and more connection for military families facing tight budgets, deployment stress, or separation this holiday season.

Donate today and help bridge the gap for military families — providing the critical support they need to feel secure, connected, and never alone.

2X YOUR IMPACT