  Hidden Gifts of Deployment
by Heidi Smith Luedtke
Deployment can bring unexpected blessings. Ten grateful military spouses shared how deployment changed their lives for the better.
“While my husband was away I found a superhero living inside me, none other than S-u-p-e-r-w-o-m-a-n! I uncovered the strength to handle anything this world could throw at me and our marriage is better for it.”
Shanna, Army spouse
“The trials of deployment have changed my life and my relationship with my husband in extraordinary ways. The distance has strengthened all forms of communication between us. It taught us how to cherish, love and appreciate each other even more, and for that I am truly grateful.”
Carolina, Navy spouse
“I was angry when my husband was called to deploy. We had been evicted and were deep in debt. But deployment brought base housing and a wonderful nanny for our girls. Now we’re saving for retirement and for the girls’ education. I’m even working out and losing that baby weight!”
Marlene, California Army National Guard spouse
“Even though my husband and I are so far away from each other right now, our relationship has grown so much! Being apart has made us appreciate everything that we are blessed with that we used to sometimes take for granted.”
Ruth, Army spouse
“Every deployment my husband has been on in the last 20 years has allowed me to grow as an individual. I've done everything from learning to play bass guitar to finding myself spiritually. I also tend to completely overhaul the house and our diets. I hope he likes vegetarian!”
Rachel, Marine Corps spouse
“One deployed husband plus one pregnant mama with two preschoolers at home could be a recipe for disaster! To survive each day, I’ve learned how to ask for help. Admitting that I need others has come with unexpected rewards, including life-long, authentic relationships and the freedom to be myself.”
Abbey, Navy spouse
“All my life I dreamed of being an author, so I started using deployments as both therapy and a means to achieve my goal. I’m now a full-time writer and New York Times bestselling author. I’ve definitely learned to make the best of any situation, including deployments!”
Larissa, Coast Guard spouse
“I've learned not to indulge my negative feelings as much. I try to stay busy, try new things I can share with him when he returns. I miss him terribly, and pining for one another is kind of romantic. I'm a more independent woman and we've grown stronger as a couple.”
Amanda, Army spouse
“I gave birth to my third daughter six days before my husband deployed for 15 months. Within days, I immersed myself in the National Guard’s Family Support program and the local chapter of MOMS Club. As a result, I made invaluable friendships with women that are still in my life today, five years later!”
Yvette, California Army National Guard spouse
“Before our first deployment we weren't really verbal. We would talk about fun stuff, but we somehow thought important stuff would work itself out. The deployment made us open up the lines of communication and express what we were going through while we were away from each other.”
Pheolia. Army spouse
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