Military Family Central

Tokens

Sometimes having something close to you that reminds you of your soldier can be a real comfort in day-to-day life. Many family members have a designated item that brings them close to their missing soldier. Whether it is a child who has a Daddy Doll or a spouse who keeps a special T-shirt and wears it to feel close to their spouse. One idea I have heard mentioned was a stuffed animal swap. A child and the parent each pick a toy or stuffed animal that is significant to them and they swap, so that they each have an anchor to make them feel close each night. Military handbags, bumper stickers, your soldiers favorite movie, it doesn’t matter what it is, just find something that reminds you of your soldier and keep it close for those times when you need to feel closer to him or her.

Care Packages

Sending pictures, home-made non perishable foods, and even small electronics just to say you’re thinking about them can be a comfort to family at home and overseas. When sending off goods make them meaningful and safe to travel. Guides and answers to questions to making sure your care package won’t be confiscated can be found at www.bootsonground.com

Love Letters [snail mail]

With the progression of the Internet many people have forgotten what it’s like to get a handwritten letter from the one missed most. Looking back at history, in times of war writing letters became a romantic way of keeping loved ones close.

I can tell you with absolute certainty, that every soldier I have ever spoken with has told me that nothing is better than a hand written letter, besides lots of hand written letters.

Joining a Forum

On the other hand having the Internet gives you new tools that people in the 1800’s probably wished they would have had. For instance being able to talk to other people who are going through the same trials as yourself. Finding support through others that know how you feel can be one of the greatest comforts when it seems like you’re alone. The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone and people all over your city, state, country, and even the Internet want to be there for you. Veterans United invites anyone who hasn’t found a place yet to join one of our facebook groups, Military Family Central and Military Spouse Central both have communities of people who come together to support each other.

Photo thanks to defence images via Flickr Creative Commons