I just returned from a bloggers convention in Las Vegas (yup, suffering). Running concurrent with this convention was the 'Milbloggers Convention.' What a great weekend of networking and education.

I attended many seminars but one in particular left me thinking. The 'Milblogger's Spouse Roundtable' was a group of military wives, one civilian and one military spouse/parent. It was the comments of the military spouse/parent that grabbed my attention.

This panelist,Karen, is military spouse with a son who also served in the military, and deployed to combat. She spoke succinctly about the difference of facing the deployment of a spouse versus that of a son or daughter. Quoting "Atmy Wives" Karen explained that it was a 'different heart muscle,' adding, "No disrespect, and none of us would want this, but a husband can be replaced...a child cannot."

She said this with emotion...and I found a lump in my throat...

She went on to speak of the challenge of many military parents to access support (from friends, family and their respective branch of service).

I must say, I disagree with Dr Laura's position on sharing homecoming with the in-laws...I still think a married service member and their spouse need that time for them...but this military mom made me stop and think...

What do you think? Are you a military spouse with a mother-in-law wanting to 'hoard' homecoming? Are you a military parent struggling with deployment, support, connection? What is your experience, your thoughts?