transition: 1: a passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another.

Perhaps this best describes what it is like to have a loved one serving in the military.  My son joined the United States Army in October of 2009 and my family has been in what seems like a constant state of transition since then.  We have made the transition, just like other families, from having a dependent young man to a very independent one. We have made the transition, as a family, of having him around all the time to hardly talking to him at all because he is half way around the world. The transition in state of mind and in my way of thinking; when he enlisted being apprehensive and scared, and transitioning to  now being so very proud of the man, the soldier, he has become. The transition of being a school volunteer for his activities to volunteering with Cypress Cares to help take care of not only him, but so many of our military men and women who need it. My youngest son has made the transition to being the only son, out of 3, still at home. So much transition left to experience. His change in duty station, a possible change of rank and MOS. The changes are endless and we have come to understand how frustrating and yet wonderfully elating it can all be.  It takes a strong individual, in mind and body, to be a soldier. Strong he is, so strong we remain, strong in spirit, mind, body as we ride out each new transition with him.

cope: 1obs: strike, fight; 2a: to maintain a contest or combat usually on even terms or with success;  2b: to deal with and attempt to overcome problems and difficulties;

Funny, isn't it, that the definition of this word can apply to the soldier's daily duties, but also to the soldier's family, or even to our nation? We all cope with many things every day, but coping with having a loved one in the military can be a full time job at times. My youngest son copes with the fear of his brother being in harm's way. My family and I cope, and the pride we have in our soldier is very instrumental in helping with that. Cypress Cares has also been a help in coping.  I learn, I make a difference, I become friends with other's who experience the same set of emotions as I do. There are countless other military families that cope too, we all have that in common. And so we find comfort in each other, and in the difference we can make through Cypress Cares.

As military families around the world transition and cope every day, amid our enormous pride and joy in those we love that have chosen bravery, freedom, patriotism, and self sacrifice, we also find ourselves in a place that is unique and special.  We are set apart by not only our roller coaster of emotions but also the role we play in support, love of a soldier and sacrifice.  Unique, special, support, love of a soldier, sacrifice....all words I don't need to define to anyone reading this, because we live it every day. God Bless Cypress Cares for not only stepping up and making a difference for so many soldiers, but also helping families of those soldiers transition and cope as we help to make that difference. God Bless our brave patriots and all that they stand and sacrifice for! HOOAH!

Karen Wilborn, Army Mom