Most of the women I know are incredible, independent, strong willed individuals but the best ones always seem to be military spouses. These ladies in my life inspire me, drive me, and welcome me into their worlds, like a family member. We all share something beyond words, a way of life that is hard to explain and hard to understand but it is ok. We all seem to be a part of a clique almost bound by the job choices made by our loved ones. It is these choices that often leave me wondering how we get through this because in the outside world (the civilian world) a spouse gone for an extended time every few years is not the norm. But for us, military spouses it is something we expect, we understand (though sometimes I truly do not), and get through with grace (most of the time). We all understand the deployment curse all too well but we are also better for it because we find each other in the time of need and that support is worth more than gold.