VIEWPOINT: Preparing For War – A Wife’s Perspective

by ABC-7 Executive Producer Kristine Rivers

I found out four days ago that my husband of one month is deploying to Iraq for 12 months. I was so overwhelmed with emotion, my very understanding boss sent me home. Judging from my reaction, you can probably tell that I am new to all of this. I didn’t grow up in a military family. Before I was born, my dad went to Vietnam, but that wasn’t by choice. Chris, my husband, signed up to be in the military.

Two years ago when we met, I knew nothing about the military. Now I know a fewacronyms and some of the lingo, but I am still a rookie. After we got engaged Chris bought me a book called “The Army Wife’s Handbook.” It is thick and very detailed! I was definitely overwhelmed. But, that feeling of being overwhelmed was nothing compared to what I feel right now… not knowing what the next 12 months will hold, but I’m not alone. There are thousands of military spouses that are dealing with the same situation. Some have children, some are pregnant, some are ill, but the soldiers still ship out. They are among the strongest people I know.

Everyone says, “just focus on the positive.” That is much easier said than done, but I’ll give it a try. As upset as I am that I can’t fall asleep in my husbands arms, or give him a good morning kiss, now I can watch “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Project Runway” to my heart’s content. That is definitely a positive!

In my opinion, if you agree with the war or not, it is so important to support our troops. They leave their families for months at a time because they believe in the goals and the ideals of the United States. Would you do that if your job asked it of you? I can’t say that I would. That is why these men and women are heroes. They are the epitome of selfless service. They are our living angels.

I am so proud of my husband and I love him so much. In my very biased opinion he is the best soldier in the world. I hope everyone sleeps a little safer knowing he will be out there fighting for our freedom and representing our great nation.