The Army makes me schizophrenic

I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. I have alot of days where I really dislike the Army and can't wait to be done with the madness. Jason believes that whatever sacrifices we make are worth it for the chance to serve our country. While I mostly agree, I definately have my limits. Jason has been working some crazy hours, and it seems like no matter what we plan, family always takes a backseat to the "needs of the Army."
So I'm coming off one of those "ugh" weeks. Jason worked another insane week and to top it off we had a Hail and Farewell Friday night. I was tired and a bit done with it all.
The H & F was at probably the nicest restaurant in Fayetteville (we do have a few) and it was a wonderful time! I enjoyed chatting with the other spouses and dishing about our crazy lives.
We shared some of our insane horror stories of Army life (who's lived out of a suitcase the longest, who's lived through the craziest disasters when their husband was gone etc etc.) and the conversation turned to how wonderful the Army is with familes. We all agreed that very few companies in the "real world" care if you even have a family, let alone provide services, support groups, "welcomes" and "farewells" when you move in and out of units and other opportunites. I walked away from that night being reminded of how fabulous the Army is and what a great opportunity it is to be a part of such a wonderful organization. It renewed my "hooah" spirit and reminded me that Jason is right, the sacrifices are worth it.
Sadly, our memories are short. I am sorry and embarrassed to admit that in my own wallowing I had allowed myself to stop actively remembering the many soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. At the brigade's spring formal we honored the paratroopers who didn't return from Afghanistan with the rest of the unit in April. In a room of 700 people, there was not a single dry eye as a candle was lit for each of them. In attendance was the widow of a fallen paratrooper. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. If she can be proud to attend a military function after the death of her husband, I can certainly suck it up and stop complaining about Jason's long hours.
Not everyone is cut out for this crazy ass lifestyle, and many days I feel like I'm one of those people. While I complain about it, the Army has provided us with tremendous opportunies, not the least of which is serving our country. We are very lucky to be part of a volunteer force willing to do what so many others are not. We are also very lucky to have a wonderful families who support us and do what they can to help ease the burdens that sometimes come our way.
All in all, it's a pretty damn good life. Thanks to all of our fellow service-friends for serving along side of us, and thank you to our families for making it all possible!!!