There’s an ancient Chinese curse “May you live in interesting times” That’s the life of an Army wife. It is as much a curse as it is a blessing.
Interesting because the life that Army Wives have is certainly not the best life but it is fulfilling life and a proud life.
A life full of adventures, anxiety, joy, pride, tears, hardships, separation, skipped heartbeats, the uncertainty, the ecstasy.. they live and experience all these things in their journey of being a defence wife.
Army wives are often considered as the Silent Ranks. The rank that is not known by all and is not talked about, but equally important and the backbone of every soldier.
They are constantly moving, belong to every place the Army takes them, they are experts at packing years up in black painted boxes, staying away from husbands for years at a stretch. Facing all the challenges when their husbands are not around.
As glorious as it is -to take pride in ur Spouse who serves the country, the Life of an Army Officer’s wife in todays time is a lot of sacrifices itself.
As lonely as it gets when the husband leaves to serve in “field locations” there are women suffering from depression. Even in peace locations, there is no fixed time to homecoming —- So basically even when a woman sacrifices her career to be with the soldier that she loves, she cannot have a family life with his job . She suffers in lonely hrs.. There is cancellation of holidays even at the last minute although there might be no emergency.
An army wife knows how to do things or get things done when her spouse is not around. She has learnt from her better half that it is always better to be prepared to face any situation.
The army teaches the wives magic. She can convert a very unpleasing and old army quarter into the most beautiful and warm home for her soldier. While her husband is in a field area, she can be a plumber fixing leaking faucets, an electrician fixing the fused light bulb and a devoted nurse to take care of the aged parents.
Most of the Army wives are very much into shopping. Since they have been posted to so many locations they know from where to get the best things at the best prices. They are very much aware of the steal deal.
Every day of her wedded life, an army wife has to interact with different kinds of people. Be it her husband’s colleagues, seniors, their wives etc. An army wife learns interpersonal skills and social service as she goes out to help in welfare activities. Even the most introvert lady blossoms into a bold and a charming personality in the ambience of the army.
An army wife takes field postings of her soldier husband in her stride. Settles in new homes, gets her children’s admission done in schools, takes care of bank accounts, and does every other miscellaneous work with ease, for she respects her husband’s duty.
And while she waits for her husband, she prays for the safety of not only her soldier but for every soldier who is out there putting his life at peril. And while she waits, with fear and anxiety in her heart, she also learns to don a smile on her face, for she wants to bring up happy children.
Yes, there is no doubt that an army wife is in a class of her own.