As a professional, I’m not sure putting feelings out there is the best idea but I feel it represents a part of who I am and you should know about it. My husband has been deployed for the last eleven months and I get goosebumps every time I think about how our homecoming hug is upon the horizon! BUT- a deployment sucks for everyone involved. Every once in a while, I tend to feel sorry for myself. Through these hazy moments, I spot the sobering reality, he has it worse. Much worse. The men and women defending this great country of ours are expected to visit hell and then come back unscathed?

He has watched his little boy learn something new everyday, they sure are sponges at two. His "little" girl turned into a teenager, grew two shoe sizes and almost four inches in height. His wife has begged and pleaded for him to just be safe and come home, like it's totally in his control or something. He has watched her stress, overwhelm and get frustrated while completely helpless. Sand is always readily available in his living quarters whereas waters almost always in a shortage. Squeezing little naps in between the noise, chaos and possible emergency rescue has become his favorite pastime followed by visiting the gym. Twice a day. Because there is literally nothing else to do while they wait for the next emergency. He has been pushed to the limits emotionally and physically on a regular basis since he left. Eleven months ago. The option to decline a specific job or duty is nonexistent. It's no wonder the ones defending us, need some defending of their own.

Truth is, I could go on forever. I know there are men and woman out there fighting the "good fight" that have it much worse than my husband. My point is that we need to be kinder to people, their battle just may still be in there. They are no longer on enemy grounds but enemy grounds has come home in them. Veteran suicide rate is astronomical. The VA released a study in 2013 that found that approximately 22 veterans take their life a day. That is one life lost to the shady character riding shotgun every 65 minutes. Read that statistic again. Staggering and heart wrenching at the same time, isn't it? Mental health gets the blind eye far to often and there needs to be more awareness. Awareness creates change. Or at least I hope.

If you are struggling anywhere in your life, please don't let a moment turn into an eternity. It's not worth it because there IS love everywhere, you just have to be open to it. Here are some options if you or someone you know needs help!

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Veterans Crisis Line

Other ways to get involved

Lastly,

Call me . Seriously, I don't care if we've never met; I care about you, your life and your future.

The military life is a hard one and can really take a toll on a family but I'm here to tell you that you can do it. If you are somewhere out there struggling, just know that you are a rock star. It's okay to take a moment to yourself and ugly cry(and eat all the ice cream in the closet to hide from the kids,) so long as you catch your breath and keep trucking on. Show kindness every chance you get because it damn sure does a lot more for the soul than hate. Also, if you are snuggled up in a warm, clean bed next to someone you love, suck ALL that love in. Also, please take a moment to remember the ones who are struggling and believe they are alone. They are out there, suffering in silence.