Sometimes the hardest part about being in the military is how difficult it can be to find friends. When we arrive to a new location, we get there knowing we will move again in another 3 to 4 years, and that doesn’t feel like enough time to establish friendships with people in the local community. Because of that, many times we surround ourselves with other military people. It is hard to explain, but for whatever reason, military members are like magnets to each other, and it can be challenging to find friends outside of that.
In all of my years in the military, and the many places I have lived, I have never been part of a local community with friends who were not associated with the military in any way [except one of my girlfriends here who is a military spouse]. Over the last year or so, that has changed. Through running I have found the most incredible bunch of friends who have welcomed me into their group like I belong.
Yesterday I realized just how much I mean to my friends. Last week was my birthday, but I didn’t make a big deal out of it and tell anyone. They found out though, and unbeknownst to me, planned a surprise party for me at our Wednesday group run. Two of my girlfriends text me and asked me if I was going to the group run and because I had acupuncture, I told them no. Now that I look back, I realize they were trying to talk me into going without making it obvious but I was being stubborn. It actually took another one of our friends texting Bill and asking him to talk me into going to get me to go. So I went and I am really glad that I did. They gave me really sweet & thoughtful gifts, a t-shirt & bracelet commemorating my recent first marathon, and delicious Chantilly cake. They were also really sweet & signed me up for a 13–hour overnight endurance race. Lol, I wish that was a joke. The most valuable thing they gave me was their love & friendship, because I know that I could call on any one of them for anything. I think that is the kind of friendship everyone should have.
Sometimes it gets really difficult being here alone, without Bill, and without family. Often times I struggle far more than I let on. But it gives me peace & joy to know that I have an incredible group of friends who I could count on for anything. Thank you, I love you.
Vagabond Texan 
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