20 Months

Seems like a long time, doesn't it?

It's just a little less than two years.

And yet, when put in this context it takes on a whole new meaning

“Honey, I'm dropping my retirement paperwork in September.”

I know he's dropping his paperwork a year out.

I know he's sincerely fed up with what “his” Air Force has become.

I know exactly how he's feeling

because I felt the same way

and every day I see (or hear about) some “new rule”

I'm glad I'm no longer a part of that mess

But on a personal level

I'm glad he's still a part of that mess

because, you see, I've never known any other way of life

I've always been military

I grew up in the Navy

I served in the Air Force

I'm a proud Air Force Wife

and even though I carry two ID cards

one that's mine (and blue)

one that's 'his' (and pinkish – kinda)

the thought of having an ID card without that “AD” next to it

makes me want to throw up – literally

and I don't think it's because I'm afraid of losing the steady paycheck

well, that's part of it

but it's because I'm losing a part of myself

the part that has always, in some way, been a part of the military

and that's scary

20 months – such a short time for such a big change

 and that's life on planet caddick