Missing the navy

Never thought I would say this, but I miss the Navy. It was the only life I knew for 21 years. Brian has been out 2 years this month. He has a great job, that he is enjoying, so it's not like we're suffering being out of the service. I often thought before he got out that there would be this great sense of relief and a need to nest, or settle in, permanently somewhere. Surprisingly, not so much.

One of the worst parts of the military is knowing you will be moving a lot. One of the best parts of the military is knowing you will be moving a lot. Makes no sense? Truly, both are accurate. We started our journey in Idaho Falls, tiny town, tiny run down place, but newly married so who cares. Ha! We took advantage of it being next to Yellowstone Park and visited a couple of times in the 3 months we lived there. (Brian was finishing up his Nuc Training.) From Idaho Falls we moved to Newport News, VA, part of a huge mass of cities that all run together. We were next to beaches and Busch Gardens, visited DC several times. I went to college there, had Kevin, and met some dear friends who we still keep in touch with to this day. It was hard to leave. Transferred down to Kingsland/St. Mary's Georgia. Another tiny town, but we stayed pretty busy with our little group of friends there, had Keegan, and enjoyed the area surrounding us....Amelia Island, Jacksonville, FL. Met another couple who are still very much a part of our lives today. From there transferred to Silverdale, WA, this was absolutely one of the most beautiful parts of the country to live. The mountains and beaches are spectacular...yes, it rains. I have never appreciated nature as much as I did there. On to the Charleston, SC area, probably the place we most considered home. Just a good fit for all of us, great area, great friends, great church. We did VA again and then back SC before getting out. See the pattern... learn new places, meet great people. It was a lot of moving, but we had such an appreciation for all the different parts of the country and what it had to offer, it was so hard to leave the friends we made along the way. I can't imagine that I won't have yearning for that change again.

I miss Brian in his uniform heading out to a ship somewhere. Not only do I think he's good looking in uniform (WOW!), but I have a tremendous sense of pride when I see him wear it. He served his country and he was good at what he did. He made it all the way for an enlisted man. It really speaks of his work ethic and his integrity. I'm just so proud of him.

Navy ships are pretty amazing.  They are floating bases and these guys are good at what they do. We went out a couple of times on a carrier for family days, watching them launch planes and the planes doing maneuvers out at sea is uber impressive, and watching those ships come home with all sailors lining the deck. WOW! I have great respect for the training and sacrifice these guys and gals go through. Also, as a family member, the sacrifice our families make to allow them to do what they do for their country...really just nothing like it. Honestly, as hard as it was (and sometimes I didn't think we'd make it), what an honor to be with a man who served!

Until next time,
Julie