Being married is challenging enough without having to live thousands of miles apart.  Military families do it all the time.  Lord knows they give and give, but their families give too.  Missing holidays, birthdays, special events and daily activities takes a toll on a family.  When you enlist in the military and you have a family, it is almost expected that you spend some time apart.  This isn't what we had planned.

We are not military.  We are just average Americans who tried to move our family to a better place, only to be pinched by the economy in the process.  We are still holding on to our old home. It is a HUGE struggle, but if we have to give up a home it would have to be our dream residence, not where the work is.  Just a fact.

So for the last 5 years, I have maintained a home front, with my two girls ages 7 and 8, and my adopted Nana who is 77.  I just began my own school so I can still be home with the girls, but earn some extra money in the process.  I just can't sit back and wait for daddy to come home any more.  I have to do my part! Hopefully this will all be a memory in a few years, but until then, I am Married and Living Long Distance.