Look at the Positive

by Rachel Lafave

 So, the time has finally come.  After moving 750 km 6 years ago to be with my husband (my then boyfriend) we’ve been posted.  We knew it was coming as he’s been in Kingston going on 9 years, but you still feel that sense of dread when the message comes in.  So much will change.  You wonder is that good or bad?

The Base we’re to report to?  Base Borden.  If we have to move, it couldn’t get better than that.  It’s closer to both of our parents and I have a long-time childhood friend just in Orillia!  So, the idea of moving seems a little better.  But isn’t that what all of us military wives do?  Look at the positive?

 I am on maternity leave with our first child and my EI runs out the same week we are to arrive at Base Borden.  I’ll have to permanently leave my job and enter the work force in a new city.  Most people would dread that.  Looking for work? Yuck! But, I can potentially earn more money being that much closer to Toronto and Barrie itself has been booming for years. Again, I look at the positive

 Going on our house-hunting trip with a 7 month old will definitely be challenging and moving-week not much better.  But my husband will be home for the duration of this posting.  No tours, no exercises.  Perfect for a young couple starting a family.  I keep thinking positive.

 It’s funny how I’m ready to just leave it all and head to Borden with him with such ease.  I always wondered if it would be hard for me.  Leaving friends, my job and all that is familiar to me.  Kingston has become home to me.  But I knew it would eventually come, that I’d have to leave it all.

 You know what though?  I made a promise to myself the day we were married – to be the best military wife I can be.  To be understanding and supportive during tours.  To follow him across Canada or around the world if necessary.  To take care of all the “little things” when he’s not here to help.  And most of all?  To look at the positive through it all!