The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. (Proverbs 20:7)
I’m an expert on what it means to be a military mom. Having a son serve and fight has given me the authority and credibility to share my thoughts on the subject. I also have another type of experience. I’ve watched my husband—the father of my sons—become a military father. In honor of Father’s Day, I’d like to share some of my observations about military dads:
1. Passing Along an Incredible Legacy
They’ve instilled in their children the importance of service and the rare ability to think about others, not just themselves.
2. Letting Go
As a mom, letting go isn’t my best thing. But with my husband’s help, I’ve learned how to let our sons go and travel the paths God has laid before them.
Inspiring Quotes for Father’s Day
3. Injecting Humor When Needed
I tend to be the type who wants to capture every moment and make it memorable and special. This can lead to a heaviness of expectation in certain situations. My husband does just the opposite. He has an innate sense of when it’s time to lighten the mood.
4. Focusing on the Road Ahead
As a mom, I tend to revisit the past and agonize over what’s already happened. My husband is a master at moving forward even as he learns from the past. This trait has served our military son—and our other sons—well in life.
5. Showing Tenderness Without Tears
Yes, I’ve seen my husband cry. He’s not ashamed of that and neither am I. However, he can also share the depth of his love toward his sons without the accompanying waterworks that always seem to come from me.
6. Preparing Children to Face Difficulties
Our sons have watched their father face difficult situations head on and without flinching. This legacy has given them what they need to follow in those footsteps.
7. Asking for Help
My husband’s faith has guided and sustained our family in ways we can’t even fathom. That faith has helped mold our sons into strong men who know the importance of turning to someone bigger when life gets difficult.
The influence of all military dads is one we need to celebrate as we honor the service of our brave men and women.
