The Summer of My Tribe

I immersed myself in Army Wives Season One last week and now I see everything in terms of that show.   It occurred to me that I do have a tribe and I'm going to spend much of this summer seeing them

Two weeks ago, I had Cassandra and DL Sly over for the weekend.  Although I had never met Sly face to face, I had been talking to her on the phone for quite some time.  Believe me when I tell you that she is just as warm, real and friendly as she seems in comments and posts.  Cassandra and I have followed each other around the Marine Corps for two decades and never managed to be in the same place at the same time.  We didn't meet until I emailed her over two years ago about one of her posts.  It's like I've known both of them my whole life though and they are definitely part of my tribe.  And yes, in case you're wondering, we had a blast that weekend!!!! 

My littlest KV from 1st LAR days emailed me this morning and I am going to have lunch with her and her family along with a couple of other members of my tribe tomorrow.  I haven't seen littlest KV for three years and I am so excited.  She was always one of the first people to volunteer or show up whenever there was a need.  All of this done at the ripe old age of 18.

Another member of my tribe who will be attending the get together tomorrow is Norma.  She is a 1st LAR girl but she is alot more than that to me.  I think the story that most reveals why I treasure her friendship is this one (although there are more):  Our unit lost a Marine over halfway through and on the day of his memorial service, I discovered that no other wives had planned to attend.  I understood that.  We were all getting burned out.  I called Norma to see if she was going to attend.  If not, I would be the only wife there.  She found out the situation and within 20 minutes had put on a nice outfit, found a babysitter and we were on our way.  You can't put a pricetag on friendships like that.

A little later on this summer, my Soul Sista is coming for a visit.  She lives halfway around the world and I haven't seen her for 3 years either.  Her back patio became one of my sanctuaries when Lancelot was deployed.   She cheers me up when I'm down, mothers me when I need it and always knows the right thing to do or say.  She dances a mean LawnMower too.  I can't wait to take her to Wegmans!!!

Between now and when Soul Sista arrives, I will get to see a friend I made in Monterey way back in the day.  Mi Hermana always, ALWAYs could be counted on to throw the best party evah!!!  That 70's party for her sister in law's birthday is the stuff legends are made of.  Oh..and the naughty, naughty adult easter egg hunt..yeah..that one won't ever be forgotten either..

And then there's our own Andi.  I don't think I'll get to see her this summer but I remember how we met.  I emailed her about something I had seen in the paper and she emailed me right back.  We emailed back and forth for a bit and somehow, I convinced her to help me with my first Operation Santa at the Hospitals.  When we finally met face to face, I confess that I was SO nervous.  Since then, whenever I've had a hare brained scheme, she's always been ready with the "what can I do to help?"       A friend who's willing to follow your shaky lead and trust that you'll get it right (even when YOU don't think you will...sheesh!!!), that's a friend.

And speaking of the hospitals, there's no friend who understands what goes on there better than MaryAnn from Soldiers' Angels.  She is most assuredly part of the tribe because when I can't wrap my brain around something, she'll either confirm that THAT is indeed a stupid thing or tell me why things are the way they are.  MaryAnn is one of those people who'll tell you the truth always.   She is plain spoken and big hearted all at the same time.  She is one of a kind and I thank God for her every.single.day.

It occurs to me as well that you all are my tribe.  All the authors and all the commenters here are part of my tribe and I hope I am part of yours as well. 

Who's in your tribe?  What do they do for you that makes them special?  How do you give back?

Comments

[MaryAnn]

Hey, SFW, you're not exactly shy about tellin' it like it is yourself ;-)

Honored and proud to be part of your tribe.

S/F.

[Cassandra]

I got interrupted before I could comment.

I feel as though you all are the sisters I never had in real life. I suppose that sounds goofy.

I have never liked women all that much for the most part. I think the nicest thing about being online has been finding so many intelligent, strong, vital women whom I admire and enjoy spending time with. I feel blessed.

I'm so happy you're getting to be spend time with your buds - there is nothing like old friends to fill your life with joy :)

[Erin]

My tribe consists of countless women I've met online through military communities and forums, some of which I've had the pleasure to meet in person. They're the people who understand and know what you're going through, even if you've never met. I'm so thankful for these friends! They keep me informed and sane!

[Lori]

I have a tribe of 1! *sniff* She is my very best friend who has been around before I met my husband. She, however, lives 9 hours away and we only get to see each other twice a year.

I've been an air force wife for only 4 years and about half of that we've lived off base. I work from home, so I don't get to mingle much with other wives. I think that's why I love Army Wives so much. I would really love to find that bonding that goes on amongst mil spouses! They truly understand everything you've gone through. It's one of the reasons I love reading this blog so much!

One thing I've found is not all mil spouses are great to have as friends. I've had a couple who are desperately needy when their husbands are away and when they're home, you don't ever hear from them again. The friendship was so one sided I had to end it. Has anyone else had that problem?

I'm hoping to get involved with the spouse's club on base or SOMETHING to remedy that problem soon!

[whiskeykitten]

i recently discovered Army Wives...

wish i had a tribe.
but i'm still very very new to this whole thing.
and pretty much alone here

[Semper Fi Wife]

Lori, I agree that not all milspouses make great friends. I always end up living near a psychotic witch or two but when you do find a member of your tribe, that just makes it sweeter, don't you think?

Whiskey Kitten, You're part of the Spousebuzz tribe.:)

[Soul Sista]

Whiskey Kitten, your never alone when you have a phone and/or computer. Reach out to others and dont wait for it to come knocking on the door.Join a club, event or social function and find out what other military wives are doing. There is someone close by having the same feelings. Take a walk and smile at someone and say hello, ya never know ,that person might end up being your best friend!

[whiskeykitten]

thanks ladies... your feedback appreciated... my situation is pretty complicated - i'm not on a base (sorry.. post.. i'm rather Roxy-ish in that i know NOTHING about this whole thing!)
i have, just by the way.. gone from being the girlfriend.. to being the fiance'!

he asked me today.

so... big things to come, i'm sure.. and i'm off to germany, when he's settled at his new post there...

[Semper Fi Wife]

WK, That's awesome!! Congratulations!!!

As for knowing nothing about the military, everybody starts somewhere and even someone like me, who's been married to a Marine for 23 years, still has alot to learn.

[whiskeykitten]

Semper Fi Wife: Thank you so much! I'm excited and so happy - it was a complete shocker... it's still a big secret though (we haven't told anyone yet - no family etc - going to elope, or do it when i get to germany)
but i thought i'd share it with my SpouseBuzz Tribe :)

23 Years.. wow... that's hanging tough! oorah! :) i aspire to be like you and the rest of the spouses here!
I'm learning pretty quickly - and at least my boy is sweet enough to explain things to me (he sometimes forgets though!)