The Grass is Always Greener...

      I can remember this saying as a kid, spoken when I wished for what someone else had or when I thought other people had it better than I did. I was reminded again of this saying recently when my husband was home for his R&R. We decided to meet on the East Coast for his time back in the States, rather than at home, so that we both could have a much deserved vacation. We location-hopped every few days in order to visit various places that we had wanted to visit. One of the locations, Onslow Beach, was suggested by a friend whose husband is an Air Force Pilot. Onslow Beach is a military recreation area, located at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, that is for military families and their guests only. It was small, laid back, and had stretches of beautiful, uncrowded beaches...just what we were looking for! The simplicity of the lodges and the family-friendly feel added to its charm. But the best part about it for me was actually being on a base. While this may not seem like a big deal to many people, to me as a National Guard spouse who doesn't live anywhere close to a base and all its facilities, this was definitely greener grass. The Base activities, the movie theater, the HUGE commissary and Post Exchange (PX)- I was just in awe. The closest PX to us is about and hour away and is the size of a Walgreens. The scenery on base was way more interesting than we have at home too...tank crossings, firing ranges - you don't see that kind of thing every day!
      While there were many reasons that I enjoyed being on base, I think the most appealing aspect was the feeling of belonging. The sense of community. American flags and yellow ribbons were everywhere. Men and women were dressed in uniform and no one stared. Being in the military was normal there. At home, if I mention that my husband is in the Army (or even dare to mention that he is deployed), I get the typical questions and comments, or worse...the pity looks. On the base I just felt comfortable. And the idea of living on the same street as other military families, who understand what our life is like, it just seemed perfect. In that moment, I wanted to stay on that base forever (never mind the fact that we were on a Marine base and we are Army). I wanted to be a part of that.
       But in all honesty, my only experiences having been as a National Guard family, I don't know what full-time Army life is really like. I've never experienced moving every three years, leaving friends and a home behind only to have to start all over again. I've never experienced base housing or any other aspect of life on a military base. I've only had my few, limited glimpses from the outside. And I'm sure there are some out there who would disagree with me and think that the grass is greener on my side of the fence. So I'll be grateful for what I have and for where I am. I'm grateful for my weekend on base and the sense of belonging it gave me, even if it was for only a short while. And I'll continue to water my grass where it is planted, because in truth, it really is pretty green...