I wasn’t there on my wedding day. Neither was my husband. We were several states and one continent away when Bob and Peggy proclaimed “I Do!” on our behalf. A few days later we received notice of our double-proxy nuptials by mail. I distinctly remember standing alone in my Idaho apartment looking at our beautiful marriage certificate, knowing that my newlywed husband was across the ocean in Germany loading a bus to deploy. My heart ached knowing there would be no celebration hug, kiss, or call. So I dialed my parents, exclaimed “I’m married!” and then burst into tears.
Oh, the joys of marrying into the military. Most military spouses have a wedding story with a twist. It’s one of the many things that bond us as a community. We simply understand like no one else can.
But, saying “I Do” is only the beginning. Especially for military couples who regularly experience painful separations and awkward reintegrations. We learn how to walk a fine line between growing independent but not apart, often resulting in complicated feelings we never express.
That’s why we’re tackling military marriage for the 2nd annual Military Spouse Wellness Summit: Happily Ever After (#MSWS16) presented by InDependent, Corie Weathers, and Armed Forces Insurance. This popular virtual event is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 17 through Friday, Oct. 21. Saturday, Oct. 22 is a bonus day where we will announce the grand prize winner of an oceanfront getaway for two to Santa Monica, CA, courtesy of Military Benefit Association.
During the event week, enjoy ten subject-matter expert interviews at your leisure — in a car, on a treadmill or while doing dishes. It’s all on your time and virtual so no missed work or childcare required. Yay! Our speakers range from marriage counselors to sex experts, caregivers to mompreneurs. Listen in as host Corie Weathers, author of Sacred Spaces, asks the tough questions about intimacy, money, boundaries, friendship, self-worth, and more.
You can connect with fellow summit participants and speakers in our private event group. Here you can ask questions, spark discussions, and win awesome prizes. This special perk is only available to VIP registrants. Now through Friday Oct. 1, you can enter the code “EarlyBird” and get a VIP ticket for only $15! Click here to claim your spot and then invite a friend to join!
MSWS16 is a nonprofit fundraiser. Proceeds will benefit the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, Healing Household 6, InDependent, Project Sanctuary, and The Milspo Project.
In the weeks prior to the summit, use #MSWS16 to tell us your unique wedding story. Share how you started living Happily Ever After!
