The Good Life - Nov-Dec 2013

with different people at OMK events, and has attended
several youth leadership summits with other military
kids.
Meghan is now a part of OMK in Fargo, and says
it’s been nice to meet other kids that understand what
it’s like to be living with just one parent. She has also
attended a youth leadership event with a community of
other military kids.
Being Proud
Sometimes, one of the biggest emotions involved
with military families is overlooked. Pride is a feeling
that accompanies a family member’s association and
dedication to our military, and rightly so.
“I have so much pride in telling people that my
dad has served our country and I am so proud of him,”
Rachel said. “He is so brave and I just hope that I can
be as brave as him when I am older.”
“I am marked by it in ways that people can’t
understand,” Holly added. “The concept of ‘war’
means something very different to me than the average
person. It affected me in ways I don’t even understand.”
First-Hand Advice
Lastly, each of the children interviewed were asked
what advice they would give to other kids who might
have just found out that their parent will be deployed.
Their answers are inspiring and truthful.
Meghan: “Be sure to think about good memories of
them while they’re gone. Maybe write them letters even
if you can’t send them; you could give them the letters
when they return and would really appreciate them.
And if you’re sad, spending time with family can really
help, maybe even talking about stories of that person.”
David: “Maybe pretend he’s not really gone.
Sometimes I used to tell myself he was just at work
really early in the morning and had to stay really late.”
Rachel: “Think about why they are over there. They
are serving our country and helping people who need
it. You should be proud of your parents and love every
minute you have with them. It helps to get involved with
activities with other kids whose parents are deployed.
Just to talk to someone you can relate to.”
Holly: “It’s ok to be sad and angry. People will shock
you with their grace and compassion, and that will
make it easier.”
No matter what coping route is taken, children who
deal with this kind of adversity often speak highly of
their experiences and end up being a stronger person
because of it. It’s fairly common for citizens to thank
military members for their service, but the children are
sometimes forgotten in this respect. Next time you see a
service member, be sure to thank their children as well;
after all, they play a huge part in the quiet sacrifices
families make in order for our country to be safer.
*Select names have been changed to protect privacy.
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