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The Sound of Service: A Military Spouse's Reflection on Veterans Day



The Sound of Service: A Military Spouse's Reflection on Veterans Day Today, as the autumn leaves dance across most American neighborhoods and flags wave proudly in the November breeze, I find myself reflecting on what service really means. The thunderous roar of jets overhead, the familiar hum of C-17s in the distance, and the sound of "Taps" playing at sunset – these aren't just sounds to me. They're the heartbeat of a life I've come to know intimately as the wife of an Air Force veteran. The Unseen Moments What many don't see about military service are the quiet moments. The late-night homecomings when the kids have finally fallen asleep. The quick video calls from somewhere across the world, where your loved one's voice crackles through spotty connection but still manages to feel like home. The proud smile you wear while explaining to your clients why their appointment needed to be rescheduled – again – because duty called. These are the moments that shape not just our service members, but all of us who love them. More Than a Uniform As a mental health provider, I've sat with veterans who've shared their stories of service, sacrifice, and resilience. Each story is unique, yet they're all threaded together by a common purpose: the commitment to something greater than ourselves. It's not just about the uniform or the missions – it's about the countless moments of sacrifice that often go unseen. The empty chair at the dinner table. The delayed celebrations. The brave faces during deployments. The unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms. A Personal Thank You Today isn't just another day marked on my calendar. As I sit in my office this Veterans Day morning, watching the American flag flutter outside my window, my heart swells with gratitude. To every veteran who has carried the weight of our nation's freedom on their shoulders – thank you. To my fellow military spouses and families who've held down the fort during deployments and training – your strength makes their service possible. Looking Forward At Clear Mind Counseling, we understand that the journey doesn't end when the uniform comes off. For many veterans, the transition to civilian life brings its own set of challenges. Whether it's processing service experiences, navigating relationships, or finding your new purpose, know that you're not alone. As someone who has lived through military life's ups and downs, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to our work together. Your service mattered then, and your wellbeing matters now. A Continuing Mission To those who've served, those who continue to serve, and the families who stand beside them – thank you for showing us what dedication truly means. Your sacrifice has shaped not just our nation, but the very fabric of communities like ours. Today, and every day, we honor you. Christina Parise is the founder and lead provider at Clear Mind Counseling, specializing in supporting military members, veterans, and their families through life's challenges. As a military spouse, she brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her practice.
My Hero, My Husband

The Sound of Service: A Military Spouse's Reflection on Veterans Day


Today, as the autumn leaves dance across most American neighborhoods and flags wave proudly in the November breeze, I find myself reflecting on what service really means. The thunderous roar of jets overhead, the familiar hum of C-17s in the distance, and the sound of "Taps" playing at sunset – these aren't just sounds to me. They're the heartbeat of a life I've come to know intimately as the wife of an Air Force veteran.


The Unseen Moments


What many don't see about military service are the quiet moments. The late-night homecomings when the kids have finally fallen asleep. The quick video calls from somewhere across the world, where your loved one's voice crackles through spotty connection but still manages to feel like home. The proud smile you wear while explaining to your clients why their appointment needed to be rescheduled – again – because duty called.

These are the moments that shape not just our service members, but all of us who love them.


More Than a Uniform


As a mental health provider, I've sat with veterans who've shared their stories of service, sacrifice, and resilience. Each story is unique, yet they're all threaded together by a common purpose: the commitment to something greater than ourselves. It's not just about the uniform or the missions – it's about the countless moments of sacrifice that often go unseen.

The empty chair at the dinner table. The delayed celebrations. The brave faces during deployments. The unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms.


A Personal Thank You


Today isn't just another day marked on my calendar. As I sit in my office this Veterans Day morning, watching the American flag flutter outside my window, my heart swells with gratitude. To every veteran who has carried the weight of our nation's freedom on their shoulders – thank you. To my fellow military spouses and families who've held down the fort during deployments and training – your strength makes their service possible.


Looking Forward


At Clear Mind Counseling, we understand that the journey doesn't end when the uniform comes off. For many veterans, the transition to civilian life brings its own set of challenges. Whether it's processing service experiences, navigating relationships, or finding your new purpose, know that you're not alone.

As someone who has lived through military life's ups and downs, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to our work together. Your service mattered then, and your wellbeing matters now.


A Continuing Mission


To those who've served, those who continue to serve, and the families who stand beside them – thank you for showing us what dedication truly means. Your sacrifice has shaped not just our nation, but the very fabric of communities like ours.

Today, and every day, we honor you.



Christina Parise is the founder and lead provider at Clear Mind Counseling, specializing in supporting military members, veterans, and their families through life's challenges. As a military spouse, she brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her practice.


The Sound of Service: A Military Spouse's Reflection on Veterans Day

 
 
 

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