Why I Wrote This Book
Introduction
Chapter 1 - Departure and the Games We Play
Stage 1: The Mind Games (prior to separation / deployment)
Stage 2: Depression (0-2 weeks)
Stage 3: The Resentment
Stage 4: Getting into the Routine as Well as Taking Care of Yourself
Stage 5: Living on Love
Chapter 2 - Communication
Each knowing where the other is coming from
Phone tag
E-mail/Webcam/Voice over Internet Prototcol (VOIP)/Skype
Whose life is more miserable?
Do not read between the lines
Who hangs up first?
Communication with Your Parents, Friends, or In/Out-Laws!
Personal security to the public
Chapter 3 - Financial Hardship: A Long Distance Budget
The urge to splurge
The wicked phone bill
Stealing from savings to pay checking
Beware of unexpected expenses
Why do you need a budget, and professional guidance?
Chapter 4 - Infidelity
The importance of positive influences
Telltale signs
A fling or an affair
Kiss and tell
Chaplain S's Analogy on preventing infidelity
Chapter 5 - Children
Handling adjustments
Discipline
Coping skills
Schoolwork and behavior
When sadness will not go away
When the service member returns
Chapter 6 - Career
Sick leave
Day care dilemma
Promotional opportunities for military spouses
The guilt of leaving your children
Chapter 7 - Home Fries
Favorite home fries / resources
Thank goodness for... TiVo/Digital Video Recorders/On-Demand
Thank goodness for... TV dinners
Vechicle Maintenance
Warranties
Facebook/MySpace
Friends
Chapter 8 - Homecoming
First night
Readjustment
Accounting for money spent
The appreciation question
Chapter 9 - Wounded Warriors = Wounded Families
Post traumatic stress disorder
Suicide
Chapter 10 - Prayer
Chapter 11 - Decisions We Never Want to Make
Decisions we are required to make
Tips to remember for those who are providing comfort and support
Personal Account: The death of service member
Tips for those who are grieving
Chapter 12 - Leadership
Solutions
Poems
Warriors of Freedom
The Military Wife
Far Away
Resources and Support Groups
Index
About the Author
