The Rumor Mill

Every military spouse, child and parent knows the excitement, hope and pain that the rumor mill provides. Growing up in a small town, I was all too familiar with its grasp on everyone I've ever known...but this rumor mill is different. This rumor mill lies to you about when your husband is deploying or coming home. It lies about your time and activities while he's away. It can put you on cloud 9, or tear you apart.

When I first got to Alaska, Nate told me something that I will never forget, and it has served me well..."never believe anything about the Army unless it comes from me, or you see it in writing...and stop watching the news."

I haven't watched the news since. I hear the rumors. Mostly I laugh or roll my eyes. If it seems possible, I ask Nate. The answer is always the same. "No, baby. That's not true." He never gets annoyed at my questions, and I rarely ask anymore. I know the answer.

I don't watch the news because it makes me anxious, and ignoring the rumors takes a lot of worry and stress out of my life. It lets me focus on him while he's here, and making wonderful memories for him to lean on while he's away.  I can honestly say that his one statement has given me a very positive outlook on the time we spend together. There is not a place for negativity in our home, and this is not the time to worry. That time will come soon enough, and before any of us are ready for it.

Love,