Why "PCS" Really Isn't Permanent

by Lori Bell, 2010 Military Spouse of the Year

Ah, summer! Picnics, swimming pools, family vacations, hot weather…and PCS. While most families mark the seasons by the temperature, we count it by how many moving trucks are in the neighborhood at one time. 

In my on-base cul-de-sac, of the 12 families that started with us here, only three will still be here at the end of summer. At this very moment my movers are here, and I'm writing this column amid dish pack boxes, broken down furniture and that horrid sound packing tape makes when the movers "riiiiip" it over a fragile box to seal it.  Sounds like summer.

My children are still too young to miss their friends, although my soon-to-be four-year-old will remember them.  She keeps asking me who's moving and who's staying: "Is Elise going to come visit?” Why can't Anisa come live with us?" Wouldn't it be nice if it were so simple? Move away and all our friends get to come with us!

I've wondered why the military uses the term for PCS to mean "Permanent Change of Station.” Clearly there is nothing permanent about it! Permanence would mean our kids would stay in the same school system forever. Our friends would be pregnant and then we'd actually be there for the birth…and maybe cry with them when they go to college!

My friend Christy told me how she explained a PCS to her 7-year-old twins. She said even though it hurts to move and leave people we love behind, remember to keep your heart open to receive new friends and new experiences. You'll never know what assignment might bring a treasure into your life. How cool. With that attitude we all can be envied for the adventure of finding new friends, new acquaintances and creating a new page in our PCS scrapbook.

If you're PCSing this summer, take heart and know there are thousands of us who are doing it with you.  And just maybe with an open heart, our paths will cross and we'll all know the joy of knowing you!

Prosper Where You're Planted,

Lori

PS...I love supporting our military community with cool resources, especially ones created by military spouses. These ladies are experts! If you want to be featured here go to www.nammas.org to find out how.  In the meantime, check out our PCS resources this month:

Erica Vest, www.guidetomilitarytravel.com.  Great advice and tips on how to save money, weekly featured discounts, and get the best travel deals for military vacations.

Pamela McBride, www.pamelamcbride.net. Pamela will show you how to PCS your career, keep it on track, and make smart career moves even during a PCS!