There is nothing that requires more patience, strength and bravery than being the spouse of a man or woman in the armed forces.

People always talk about how honorable and brave military men and women are, and I firmly believe that to be true. We are privileged to live in this country with our freedoms because of the men and women who have risked their lives for us, and sacrificed so much for us to be able to live the way that we do.

But most people neglect to mention the families and loved ones of those serving, who ultimately act as their rock and support. Nurturing a relationship with someone who is overseas is far from easy, but husbands and wives across the nation push through the months apart as best they can, knowing it will all be okay again when their spouses’ return.

To be a military spouse takes great strength. My brother-in-law is in the Marine Corps, and my sister puts on a brave face every day waiting for his return. She might break down from time to time, but she holds her head high and knows that her husband is doing what he was born to do, what he is proud to do, and that is to serve our country.

It takes great sacrifice to love someone who you know will be leaving you for months at a time, but it shows that distance and violence have nothing on true love, and that the power of love can conquer anything in its path.

I admire those capable of loving someone through such unpredictable circumstances, not knowing what each day will bring for them, and always having the well-being of their spouses on their mind. I admire how they aspire to stay positive, and believe that their love makes the hard times worth something.

Kay Knudsen said, “love is missing someone when you’re apart, but somehow feeling warm inside because you’re close in heart.”

Through the loneliness, the fear and the memories, military spouses never doubt the strength of their love, and know deep in their hearts that their partner will be coming home safely soon, and that, in the meantime, they are off doing a great thing for the greater good of our country.