“…The greatest heroes are those who do their duty in the daily grind of domestic affairs whilst the world whirls as a maddening dreidel.” — Florence Nightingale
The military calls them “Dependents.”
But many are moms.
Being everyday invisible, superheroes.
And in honor of Veteran’s Day, I thought I would elevate those moms whose “daily grind” and mundane heroism fans the home-front fires.
While the world whirls.
This is too often uncelebrated, and forgotten.
For almost two decades, I’ve been privy to the quiet heroism and humble service of those whom the military calls “dependents.” Spouses. Moms.
And perhaps therein lies the greatest irony of military jargon.
For these spousal “dependents” are quite remarkably . . . not.
Independent. Resilient. Brave. These spouses are our domestic soldiers.
Of this, I have become convinced that our foreign offense is only as good as our domestic defense.
Veterans of domestic combat- You may have glimpsed them in their yoga pants, over-sized
Citadel sweatshirt-uniform.
Their battles never make headlines or form rules of war. Medals do not adorn their chest.
Rather, these “dependent” soldiers contend with clogged drains, oil changes, and parent-teacher nights.
Often alone.
They battle homework, hormonal teens, and HVAC headaches.
Many times, alone.
They host holidays and hail birthdays and haul trash away.
Frequently, alone.
They fight the family flu and their founded fears and the fatigue of doing it all alone.
And yet march on.
Their combat zone has hardships too. Losing a parent while an ocean away. Children who snotty-cry all night after saying goodbye. Staring at a flag-draped casket while “Taps” hauntingly plays. Giving birth over Skype so your husband won’t “miss it.”
Packing. Unpacking. Starting over. Rebuilding. A life always subject to change.
Soccer practices five nights a week. Three kids. Three teams. One weary mom. New neighbors. New culture. New life. One newlywed wife. Endless farewells to too many friends. An army of military wives.
“Dependency” has never looked so courageous.
Beautiful in battle. Braver than most. Grace under fire.
Not always. Not perfect. But still prevailing.
To you veterans of domestic combat. To the “dependent” moms in the trenches- I am humbled by your example and inspired by your courage.
Heroine dependents, you are.
Thank you for your service to your country.
