My favorite flower is a daisy, why couldn't they use that? Well it turns out, that daisies are similar to dandelions, in that, they are also weeds. If left untamed, these two flowers can take over an entire field. Daisies are also a wonderful addition to the symbolism of the dandelion. Because both flowers are symbols of happiness, dreams, and strength. Combine the two and you get a strong mix of resilience and optimism. What better words can be used to describe a child who is repeatedly plucked from their home to be replanted in a new strange place, and yet, they still have the ability to grow and prosper wherever the wind has blown them?
The military life is all I have known, up until this point, and it has taught me a lot. I am going into my fourth year at Purdue University, which will make Indiana the state that I have lived in the longest. I was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming; four months later we moved to Florida, then Colorado, Rhode Island, Alabama, Virginia, back to Wyoming, back to Virginia, and finished off my senior year in Montana. I am in college in Indiana and my parents have recently retired in Texas. Where is home? I can't tell you a location, but I can tell you about the people and adventures that have made each place home to me.
I'm not sure yet how this blog will pan out. One of my biggest reasons for starting this is, selfishly, to catalogue my stories of growing up. With my memories spread all around the country I sometimes find it difficult to keep them in order. But I am also hoping that anyone who reads this can either relate to the stories, learn from them, or at least have a better understanding of why we military families have a such a deep rooted passion for our country.
Depending on the response I get from this, my ultimate goal is to create a documentary about exactly this; the military brat. But let's take things one step at a time. So I encourage you to give me your honest (and constructive) opinions and feedback. If you have similar stories or would like to share your own experiences, do not hesitate to contact me. The responses you send me are what will make this blog all the better.
Finally, I hope that within these stories you will find something useful for yourself. Especially if you are a fellow military child, I want you to know that there are others of us out there going through very similar situations. It just might not seem like it because we are so spread out around the world. Believe me, the life experiences you are getting this early on will only help you in the future... as long as you look at them with the right attitude. It's not an easy thing to do, and I was not always the poster child for positivity, but looking back I wouldn't change a thing (as cliche as it may sound).. but it's true!