Dear military mom,

Going through a whole pregnancy and/or birth alone can be very stressful. You’re feeling such guilt because you should be happy for this miracle of life yet you feel so depressed, lonely, and helpless. You’re managing other children—let alone a newborn—while forgetting to nourish your own self. You paint on a smile for every interaction you may have with other adults and your children to make sure nobody thinks you are vulnerable or unable to care for your family the way you are expected to.

Putting so much energy into faking a smile for your children, you lie in bed at night simply empty.

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You’re struggling to do regular chores around the house while managing your children. As fast as humanly possible, you ignore the sweat and tears falling down your face, praying your kids will continue to play peacefully long enough for you to get everything done. Hearing your children cry at that moment feels like a punch in the gut, a failure. Lying in bed at night feeling disgusting.

Dear military mom, you are not alone.

Your emotions are valid even if “this is what being a military spouse is about.” We support our military partners while simultaneously making sure our children don’t feel an ounce of our pain. We envy mothers who see their partners walk through the front door every single night. As we wait patiently for a full night of sleep, we are told how amazing we are. 

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Dear military mom, you are not forgotten. You are appreciated and loved.