Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 56238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
I must admit, the being a military spouse, well, it’s all complicated and a little overwhelming. There are rules. As he explains it, I’m a representation of him. Plus, I’m leaving everything I know from small-town Arkansas behind to go to what Jonah calls ‘a place that is barely a dot on a map’. Which is saying something since we aren’t from a big city ourselves. Apparently, Fort Liberty or Fayetteville isn’t really all that big. Compared to the surrounding towns, it is the city, but it’s not a busy hub like one imagines a city to be.
This is Jonah’s dream, to be a soldier in the United States Army. He swears it began with his first pack of GI Joe action figures when he was five. Whatever sparked the goal, we are here, and I support him one thousand percent.
With our budget and time constraints, today is the day we will commit our forever together. We have planned a small ceremony and I’m grateful for it. I don’t like to be in the spotlight. I like privacy and I love the intimacy of a smaller event. I am more than ready to be Mrs. Jonah Schneider.
The day passes in a blur as pictures are done individually and then I’m whisked away until time to proceed down the aisle. Being in the moment now, I wish we had done a private first look. I miss Jonah and could use a small hug or kiss to calm my nerves. He is my person, my safe space always.
My aunt who is acting as our coordinator gives me the thumbs up that it’s go time.
I embrace the love and support given to us both as I take each step closer to him. Jonah keeps his tear-filled eyes locked to mine as I make my way closer. My hands are placed in his by my father as Jonah quickly leans in and kisses my forehead. Instantly, I calm. I have waited all day for this simple gesture. Something Jonah has always done the first moment he sees me every single time without fail.
I smile as the officiant begins. Jonah enlisted the aid of his cousin Brian, who is an officer in the Army, to officiate our nuptials. Who knew getting a license to hitch people was as simple as an online course in Arkansas? I didn’t, but I am impressed. Brian has embraced this role, and we have all had fun together planning. While Jonah isn’t a seasoned soldier, with the help of Brian we have planned an Army themed nuptial. We both think it’s a cute take on vows and this new journey we are going to have together. I have waited for this day and it’s everything I dreamed of and more.
Jonah and I decided to forego traditional vows and embrace his new life as a soldier as part of our theme. I’m more nervous as to what others might think of this unconventional agreement. Everyone is quiet as Brian clears his throat signaling the music to end.
“Dear family and friends,” Brian starts with a smile, “we are gathered here today in the sight of God and the Department of the Army, to witness this exchange of vows, and see the love that these two dedicated, loving people have for one another.”
I hear mild murmurs, no doubt our guests wondering what we are doing adding the Department of the Army to our opening lines.
Brian wastes no time in getting right to it.
"Wilt thou, Jonah, take Josie (who will now be referred to as the ‘dependent’), as your family member, to dwell together in so far as the Department of the Army will permit?"
Everyone laughs as I beam with pride at my soldier.
Brian moves on without missing a beat. "Wilt thou love her, comfort her, via the postal service or over the phone, wilt thou make sure she knows where the commissary, BX, and church are from your post-assigned housing? Wilt thou inform her of the time she is scheduled to use the laundry room the day she arrives, wherever you are stationed?"
Jonah gives a proud nod before looking to me with a pause, “I do.”
Brian continues, "Wilt thou attempt to warn her more than 24 hours in advance that you will be leaving for two weeks? Preferably you don’t leave this information as a passing by, I’m on training beginning the next morning. This especially applies to the years you will live in a foreign country!”
Those thoughts make my belly do flips, but I have to accept this is the life we are choosing. Even if he does have to serve time abroad and away from me, we have this commitment. He will always come home to me.
Jonah again nods before confirming his commitment.
Brian turns his attention to me.
"Wilt thou Josie, take this soldier as thy wedded husband, knowing that he is depending upon you to be the perfect (well almost) Army wife, running the household as you see fit, and being nice to the commander's wife?"