Apart from the number of deployments I have "lived" through, I have had no real Marine Corps exposure the five years before our marriage. Everything was just a story - a verbal explanation of how things were and are to be from a Marine who did not like to speak much. So I had to use my imagination a lot to visualize and understand the Corps that became my Marine's life.
My perception of the Marine Corps started changing the day I decided to be a part of his life and lifestyle. It all started with a 'smack on the bum' as part of the Sword Detail Ceremony at our wedding. As spectacular as our Marine Corps wedding was, the huge "thud" with the sword on my butt had the crowd laughing, making it a memorable end to our beautiful wedding. The table for the Fallen Comrades at the reception was yet another wake up call to the reality of a military life. My husband, along with every other military personnel that has been to war, live every day with the pain of losing a brother in battle. I might never understand it, nor do I take the time to remember on a daily basis how it has changed his life. But the fact that he wanted to remember all those sacrificed lives on our wedding day brought a sense of pride in me like none I've felt before.
Over the past year of living with a Marine on Recruiting Duty, I have learned to accept the challenges of being married to a Marine on Special Duty. As civilians, we complain about our jobs - be it behind a desk, or on your feet, or even working two or three jobs a day. We all struggle to make a living, but it took me awhile to get used to my husband's kind of work. On a good day he leaves for work at 7:30am, only to come home between 8:30 or 9pm so he can finish up some work to kick off the next day. =) live with the man, but on a good day I might see him for an hour in the morning and a couple of hours at night (which includes the morning rituals of getting ready for work, and unwinding after a long days work, computer time and preparing for sleep). As a wife, I can nag about the quality time we DO NOT have, but I have to constantly remind myself this is the life I chose too. It comes with the package. I am just grateful he's home every night, and the "distance" even while living under the same roof helps us cherish the few minutes we do get talking to each other, or doing something together. Regardless of all that, I take pride in his work, and the kids that join the Marine Corps because I know they will make quality Marines just like my husband.
Of course the trip to Marine Corps headquarters, Quantico, VA was a wowwwiieeee! I thought getting a glimpse of the Marine One hovering over around heads was the ultimate excitement. But driving around base seeing the old school buildings, and shopping at the PX were eye opening as well. To boot, NCIS (only the best TV show in the world) also had a little building on base that was built way back in the day. That totally made my moment!!!! =)
Since we were going to be there overnight, we decided to take our Guinea Pigs on a joy ride to Virginia as well. Maybe the details of that will be a story for another day. All I can say is, we KINDA understood what it would be like to have kids. =) Ok, so the night ended with us going into DC to watch the Silent Drill Platoon and the Commandant's Band!!!!!! Ummmm....I don't know if I can find an adjective to describe what that was all about. To be able to see that in person this early in my Marine Wife career was a huge blessing. I got to see the "talented" side of the Marine Corps, and it was magnificent. It made me realize that no matter what their rank, Marines put their heart and every bit of energy into serving its citizens and doing their job well. And that is a tradition that is passed on from the founders of the Marine Corps.
Special access to Pier 88 to watch, up close, the USS New York pulling into the dock was another pride booster for this Marine Wife. I was on seventh heaven that day, beside my Marine, amongst all those other service members and officials. I must say, I was more in awe of being able to witness history with my husband and his poolees than actually getting that close to the fighter ship.
The icing on top of the cake this year was the Birthday Ball. I was nervous because I had never been to a formal event before. I didnt know what to wear, or how to behave. I was under the impression it was a birthday celebration where everyone just got together and partied all night long in long gowns and uniforms. As usual I was amazed at the traditions the Marine Corps upheld, specially on this day. It was not just any other birthday bash, but it was a day to celebrate the lives of all the Marines that have come and gone throughout the 234 years of USMC has been alive. I enjoyed the traditions that were followed like how the oldest and youngest Marines in the room were recognized and celebrated. It was reminded the sacrifices marines of the past did to pave the way for the future marines and their families. My husband always tells me that we should not dwell in the past, but look over our shoulders every now and then so we would not forget where we came from. It was such a path down memory lane for me hearing speeches about the honor, courage and commitment that has been passed down all these years from one marine to another. Apart from the formality of the first half of the evening, the second half was filled with dances, socializing, drinking and lots of posing for pictures. I guess the best part of the night for me was to see a two year old rocking the dance floor with her dad. I am sure she was just having fun, and did not realize the meaning of that memory. Not only did that marine teach his daughter (at a young age) that he will always be right by her side when she explores the world around her. He taught her to step out of her element and be herself no matter who was watching. She was a little princess who had her own dance moves regardless of what everyone else around her was doing.
Honestly, after that event I am more proud and feel more a part of my new large family. Just like any other family there's going to be gossip, attitude and drama, children growing up and promotions. Unlike a regular family there are frequent changes of homes and jobs, new friends and faces often, and maybe even months of time apart from each other. But just like any other family, with all its ups and downs I have realized I am made for this family. I enjoy the traditions, the brotherhood, and the pride that comes from being a part of the few and the proud.
Mrs. Sgt. P.
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