Military Spouse: Oh, the Places You'll Go!

When I signed up for the military by marrying my husband ten years ago, I never knew all the places this life would take me. I completed my twelfth move as an Army wife just days ago. As I packed the final boxes on moving day, these words sprang forth while I attempted to process the gamut of emotions that accompany such significant change. 

I live in boxes. I live in suitcases. I live in toiletry bags and plastic bins.
I live on moving trucks, highways, freeways, and backroads.
I live in cars, trucks, vans, buses, boats, planes, and trains.
I live in hotels, vacation rentals, and furnished business apartments. 
I live on the east coast, down south, up north, and out west.
I live in hamlets and villages. I live in the city, the suburbs, off post, and on base.
I live in condos, townhouses, duplexes, cabins, cottages, and single-family homes.
I live in the woods, on the lake, in the desert, near the bay, and in the mountains.
I live in new friendships, new neighbors, new jobs, and new churches.
I live on the phone with utility companies, housing offices, dentist offices, doctor offices, the postal service, the cable company, the internet company, the bank, home insurance, Tricare, packing companies, and truck drivers.
I live online searching for homes, schools, local resources and recommendations, babysitters, medical specialists, children therapists, restaurants, activities, and lessons.
I live with my spouse. I live alone. I live with my parents. I live with a friend.
I live with people of many nations.
I live with people of all colors.
I live with people of all religions and no religion.
I live with people of all genders and orientations.
I live in the unknown and the last minute.
I live in missed birthdays, late anniversaries, and celebrating Christmas in June.
I live in field trainings, temporary duty stations, unaccompanied tours, deployments, and permanent change of station.
I live in painful goodbyes and momentous reunions. 
I live under the guidance of presidents, division commanders, brigade commanders, battalion commanders, company commanders, and platoon leaders. 
I live where the military sends me.
I live where God leads me.
I live on mission.
​I am a military spouse.