To the Ones Who Stand in the Shadows of Service – A Tribute on Military Spouse Appreciation Day

I became a military spouse in 2009 when I married my husband. I had no clue what kind of journey I was about to embark on. No one truly prepares you. Back then, few people talked about the unique blend of sacrifice, joy, and struggle that comes with this life. No one mentioned the constant worrying, the camaraderie with other spouses, the deep loneliness, or the profound friendships that would carry me through. No one warned me about the scars I’d carry in my heart and soul. Or the adventures I’d experience. The hard good-byes. The ever-dreaded deployments.

It was a whirlwind of emotions—sometimes overwhelming, often humbling. But through it all, I walked with Jesus more closely than I ever had before. When my husband was deployed, and life took unexpected turns while I stood alone—somehow, I adapted. I overcame. That became my motto: "Adapt and overcome."

Being a military spouse changed me in ways I never expected. I came to love and respect my country more deeply. I felt a shift inside me—especially during the national anthem. It wasn’t just a song anymore. It was a reminder of everything I held dear. My husband's life was tied to that flag. My hope, my fears, my dreams, and even my nightmares were tied to it too.

Something else changed. I became deeply connected to our military family—those I’d never even met. Every time I read news—whether joyful or heartbreaking—I felt it in my bones. I cried tears of joy for victories, and tears of sorrow for losses.

There was one moment I’ll never forget. My husband was deployed, and I couldn’t reach him for two days. Normally, he'd let me know when he’d be out of contact. But this time, there was only silence. The fear that gripped me was unlike anything I’d ever felt. My heart was in agony. When we finally reconnected after three days, I wept with relief.

The very next day, I picked up my camera—my sanctuary during countless deployments. I couldn’t find the words to express what I felt as a military spouse, so I captured it in a photo. In it, my eyes were closed, and I held the American flag tightly against my chest. That flag represented everything—our country, my husband’s faithful service, my unwavering love, my hope, my heartbreak, and my enduring faith in God.

I never shared that photo with anyone. Until today.

Today feels right.

Today, on Military Spouse Appreciation Day, I want to honor every spouse who’s ever waited by the phone, cried through good-byes, celebrated homecomings, prayed through sleepless nights, stood strong in uncertainty, and found resilience they never knew they had.

We are now retired. That chapter has ended. But the years I spent as a military spouse shaped who I am. It was hard. It was beautiful. It was sacred. And it was an honor.

To all the military spouses around the world:
I see you. I honor you. I stand with you.
Your strength matters. Your love matters. Your story matters.
May you always find grace for each day and courage for the road ahead.

Grace Margritz | Colorado Springs Senior Photographer