(((DAMF)))

Was your wife supportive of the decision that you made to join the military? Have you two discussed how she'll spend her time once you're stationed? Will she move to that area and get a job nearby? Stay where she's at and look forward to the times when you come home??

My ex-husband was in the Navy before we met, and several of his brothers and sisters served in the military as well (one is still serving after 14 years or so). Anyway, I have seen some relationships thrive when one or both are serving in the military ~ but being chosen to serve in the same station can be very hard, even though the recruiters often say, "No problem."

Perhaps you've already talked these things out with your wife, I don't know. Just a tip for you to follow: sit down with your wife in a quiet place. At a park, or someplace like that without phones (or other distractions) and talk about your emotions. Tell her that you're feeling a bit anxious about boot camp, and what will follow. How is she feeling? You should ask her to write to you often, and send some photographs. It will be nice to have those physical reminders of her while you're in the service. Ask if she wants anything from you to help her through. You can't necessarily promise that you'll call or write frequently, as you will be very busy and tired in boot camp! But, maybe you can devote 5 minutes every day to write a sentence or two about your thoughts while you're in BC, and then send it to her at the end. (Or something like that ~ something special, just for her.)

Hopefully, sitting down and openly talking about your feelings and thoughts with one another will help you both feel better towards one another...and also less-stressed about your marriage. There is support for soldiers and their families. Make sure that you look into these things, so your wife doesn't feel so alone while she waits to hear from you again.

I do wish you the very best. Thank you very much for serving our country. I appreciate the work that you're going to do and hope that everything goes very well for you!! You're in my thoughts.

Please do let us know what you decided to do and how it went before you go!