By Terri Barnes
Published: January 23, 2012
As one military wife expressed it this week, a tiny sticker can tell huge stories. That proved true, as readers responded to last week’s column about inventory stickers, a constant of military life. I received so many messages via email, Facebook and the Spouse Calls blog, with comments both funny and poignant, that I wanted to share some of them:
Beverly Pitts: Those stickers are like my kids’ stuffed animals. They mate and multiply overnight. Just when you think you have found them all, another one shows up. Then you get orders, and the process begins again.
By Terri Barnes
Published: January 17, 2012
I found it while cleaning house last week. I moved the kitchen trash bin to vacuum in the corner, and there it was: a little blue sticker.
It was imprinted only with a number — “120” — but I recognized it immediately. You would too, because you’ve seen thousands like it in a variety of colors: an inventory sticker.
By Terri Barnes
Published: January 11, 2012
The folder is labeled “Pallbearers.” It holds the names of my husband’s closest friends and a list of his favorite hymns. We stashed it, along with our wills, in the back of a file cabinet several years ago. It is a testament to our recognition that the worst could happen, though its location probably shows we don’t want to be reminded too often.
Army wife Nickayla Myers-Garner has a constant reminder. Her husband, Capt. Mark Garner died in Afghanistan in 2009. Nickayla said she and her husband had prepared for that possibility before his deployment, sparing her some stress and confusion after his death.
By Terri Barnes
Published: January 2, 2012
Exquisitely coiffed and elegantly clad, they glittered in formalwear and dress uniforms, every medal and ribbon in place. Their faces were expectant, polite, noncommital.
They were there for a night out, a break from the kids, a meal they didn’t have to prepare or carry out. Food and drink, prizes, music and dancing awaited them. Only one thing stood between them and a good time -- me.
By Terri Barnes
Published: December 28, 2011
For the Feast of St. Stephen, Dec. 28, a memory from Spouse Calls Christmas past:
It wasn’t very deep and crisp and even, but snow did lie ‘round about, as we drove away from Prague, the birthplace of King Wenceslas.
By Terri Barnes
Published: December 26, 2011
My digital recorder is a repository of conversations with people across the spectrum of military life who have shared their stories, wisdom and experience for my column.
As the old year was drawing to a close, the recorder reached maximum capacity.
Reluctantly, I realized I needed to clear out the old to make room for new stories and a New Year. It was a good time to again hear the voices of those who contributed to Spouse Calls in 2011.
By Terri Barnes
Published: December 21, 2011
Christmas trees, like any decor, follow fashion trends that vary year to year. Perhaps people who live in the same place for long stretches like to change up their Yuletide tree style to keep things fresh: Funky neon-colored ornaments one year, vintage glass the next. Patriotic ornaments were all the rage about 10 years ago.
Military families occasionally like an updated look, too, but it seems we, as a group, favor the traditional tree and the comfort of the familiar.
By Terri Barnes
Published: December 13, 2011
The vice president took a trip to Iraq last month to mark the end of the war there, or at least the end of U.S. involvement in whatever conflict remains. And it does remain. All U.S. troops will be headed home by the end of this month, a late Christmas present for a war-weary military community.
But peace proves elusive. U.S. troop strength no longer needed in Iraq will likely be redirected to Afghanistan or the Pacific, where concerns are rising about China’s booming economy and unknown military intentions.
By Terri Barnes
Published: December 6, 2011
Michelle Conner wrote me from California seeking ways to connect with military members with whom she and her husband could share their holiday celebration.
“We want to share bountiful holiday meals … wall to wall, floor to ceiling decorations, the Christmas tree, the cookies, the music and our love and appreciation,” she wrote. She said they would also like to play Santa for a military family in need.
By Terri Barnes
Published: November 28, 2011
Turkey leftovers in the fridge are a reminder that Thanksgiving is behind and Christmas giving is ahead. Here are some ideas for gifts that give back to our military community and some that remind us why we love being a part of it.
Let’s start with a few books – tailored for military family giving and receiving – and finish with some other shopping ideas.
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