Hi, I’m Michelle Bowler and welcome to my
little corner of the podcasting world. I’m an Army Wife, mama to
three spunky girls, and I work from home. My hubs joined the Army a
few months after we got married, and one month later I was
pregnant. Two months later Austin was off to Basic Training and my
whole world changed. I thought I knew what marriage and family life
were about, how to really make it work. But that October-March
shook me and rocked me to the core. By the time he came home and
joined ROTC (giving us at least a 4 year commitment
post-graduation) I realized that our family life was going
to be different then I always expected it to be. It had
to be.
Over the last five years that mindset has just been challenged,
struggled with, but ultimately strengthened. Our journey became
even more different when we decided to turn the Army into Austin’s
career, not only that, but a career as an Army Chaplain. Not really
something you here about everyday, but it’s where we are supposed
to be.
While we are far from perfect, I had to
quickly let go of all preconceived notions of what family life was
going to be like. I couldn’t have the expectation that Austin would
be home for dinner everyday, and we would have a lovely evening as
a family before the kids skipped off to bed. Yeah, that never
happened. Quite possibly never will. If I had held onto that
idea I’m pretty sure I would have
been really miserable.
Whether it was Army training, ROTC field trainings, or even
night classes, hubs was taken away a lot. Now, it’s no different.
Being a military family, you just don’t have the same lifestyle as
everyone else. It’s just not going to happen, and that’s what I had
to let go of. It isn’t easy, but I’ve honestly noticed a
difference in my happiness on days when I’m fighting it, and days I
embrace it.
And that’s why I’m here. We have to let
our classic expectations go and get creative on how to make this
lifestyle work for us. But here’s the funny part, I’m not super
creative. As a mom I really rely on podcasts, talking with friends
and blogs that share different experiences and ways to do things.
Then I take it all and figure what fits for me. Sometimes it’s hard
though. The thought “that would never work for me because Austin’s
in the Army” is a legitimate thing. ButI
have yet to find a place where military or first responders’ wives
and loved ones can come together and help each other. Sure, every
unit has an FRG, but why think so small? That’s why I created
The Waiting Warriors. Now, we have a place we can go to
for validation, ideas, and support.
With some creativity and intentional action we can
thrive. Our families don’t have to suffer
because of the job. We can THRIVE. While our loved one is away we
don’t have to twiddle our thumbs and put life on hold. We don’t
have to wait for them to be physically near for us to strengthen
our family and marriages. Our loved ones don’t have to be at every
soccer game or dance recital for the kids to know they are loved
and supported. We can find our own way. We can have our husband be
deployed, and still have a happy life. It will be crazy,
but our families can be strong.
It’s possible, I know it is. Because we are strong, and
together we can be even stronger.
About the Podcast
This podcast is devoted to helping Military and First Responder families and loved ones thrive.
