Why I Wrote This Book

Introduction

Chapter 1 - Departure
   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
   Whose life is more miserable?
   Do not read between the lines
   Who hangs up first?
   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
   The unexpected expenses
   Hostile versus training pay

Chapter 4 - Infidelity
   The importance of positive influences
   Telltale signs
   A fling or an affair
   Kiss and tell
   Marital aids

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
   Thank goodness for... TV dinners
   Jiffy Lube
   Warranties
   E-Mail
   Friends

Chapter 8 - Homecoming
   First night
   Readjustment
   The appreciation question
   Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Chapter 9 - Prayer

Chapter 10 - Decisions We Never Want to Make
   Decisions we are required to make
   Final thoughts soldier
   Final thoughts spouse
   Tips to remember for those who are providing comfort and support
   Personal letter from Suzanne (A gold star wife)
   Personal Account: The death of service member

Poems
   Warriors of Freedom
   The Military Wife
   Far Away

Resources

Index

About the Author