Coming from a person that has been through two deployments due to my boyfriend being in the Army National Guard, having a support system built around me is something I hold very dear. I have learned that their are people I can count on and also activities I can do to help alleviate stress not only during deployment, but also through non-deployment periods as well. I chose to look at the three things in my life that I currently rely on for support everyday.
The first support system that I have on a daily basis is my boyfriend. He supports me through any and all things and is always there to listen or help me really put the important things into perspective.
My co-workers are another support system I see on a daily basis. I feel very lucky to work for a great organization and I have a few close co-workers at work that I can share pretty much anything with.
The last support system I use on a daily basis is exercise or some kind of physical activity. I've always been an active person and currently I play indoor and sand volleyball, slowpitch softball and I've taken up running in hopes of completing a half-marathon in the very near future. My boyfriend is very active as well and when I stop to think about it, a lot of our life involves around being able to take advantage of being physically active. We've been very fortunate to be able to go backpacking in Europe the last two years and traveling is something we plan on continuing doing in the future, so being physically able to do that is extremely important to me. Without these three things (and my family and close friends, who I don't always see everyday, but very much still rely on), my life would be completely different. I'm not sure that I would know how to function without one of these three things.
The challenge I chose to imagine is not being able to walk and becoming wheelchair bound. I would need all of my supports even more. I would probably have to look into other support systems as well. My boyfriend would possibly have to become partially my caregiver as well, since our home isn't wheelchair accessible. I know that he would do anything he could for me though. As far as work, I feel like they would support me any way they could and our work is wheelchair accessible. I'm not sure how well I would be able to do at my job though because I move around frequently and that may be difficult in a wheelchair. My family and my close friends will forever support me, so I don't worry about losing their support. I think the area of my life that I would struggle most with is that I wouldn't be able to be physically active like I have been and do all of the things I enjoy doing so much. For a large part of my life I have always defined myself by my physical ability, playing sports, running races, etc. and losing that would be very challenging and unknown for me. I'm not sure how I would handle that and it is scary to think about. It really makes me realize how lucky I am that I get to do these things everyday. Everyone needs supports in their lives and a huge support for me would be gone.
I have really enjoyed reading your post. I agree with you that it is important for everyone to have a support system. I can't begin to know how you feel when your boyfriend is deployed. Have that support system helps to cope with the days and nights alone. It's always good to have someone to lean on. Again great post.
ReplyDeleteAmber, you sound like a very driven person and I truly believe that even if you were in a wheelchair you would find a way to be physically active. There are so many amzing opportunities for people with physical challenges now and it does not matter if you had legs that work, or don't work, you would always be able to be physically active and challenge yourself. When I lived back home I worked in a physical therapy office. We shared the building with a company that made prostheses. There was not a day that went by that someone did not come into that office to have something made for them because they were athletes before losing a limb abd they refused to give up. There are amazing things to be done to the human body now, even when it doesn't work the way it use to!
ReplyDeleteHi Maber, I enjoyed reading your post!!! WE share similar support systems! I also noted that exercise as a support system! I find it takes aways stress and tension from everyday challenges and worries!!!!!! You really do need a great support system when your boyfriend is gone, and I so happy you have that! I cant even imagine how it might feel when your significant other or family member is deployed! Thanks for a great post!
ReplyDeleteHello Amber,
ReplyDeleteWe have a very similar situation. My husband is civilian military and my family experiences deployments because he supports the military. If I did not have a good support network, it would be very difficult. My sister visits with us during most holidays and it gives my children a chance to play with their cousins. But daily, it is nice that we get a chance to talk every day. I really enjoyed reading your post. It is wonderful that you have a great support system.
Amber,
ReplyDeleteFirst , We are appreciative of your boyfriends service ! secondly, Thank you for sacraficing because of his service. It seems to me , you are an active and driven person. Your have determination to see what ever you are delt - through to the end. Good Luck reaching what ever you seek in this life !
Amber,
ReplyDeleteHaving a mate that is in the military is a challenge in itself. I have a brother in the navy that is deployed overseas. I talk to him everyday via facebook. We have never met. He is my father's son. I have two brothers on my dad's side. The other lives about 3 hours away from me. I am looking forward to the day that he returns home so that we can finally touch each other. I wish I was an active person. My husband exercises everyday before he goes to work in the morning. He invites me, but I just can't get motivated. I tell him that I get my exercise everyday when I have to run and jump with my two year olds in class. Continue to stay strong and true to you and those who have your back.
I enjoyed reading your post. It is very important to have a good support system. Life would be difficult if we did not have supportive people in our lives.
DeleteGreat Post!!! I agree that everyone needs a support in their lives. I also want to thank your boyfriend for serving our country and all that he does. It is sad to know that some people don't have anyone they can call on in a time of need. I am so thankful for all the support that I get from everyone and I know you are also. Enjoy reading your post.
ReplyDelete