MILITARY TRANSITIONS
"Together Again, but Worlds Apart", a recent headline in the Washington Post, emphasizes the difficulties endured by military families who have been separated for several months. Moms away from their children, new dads who have never seen their babies--these are some of the stresses experienced by both those waiting at home and those on foreign soil. While initially there is tremendous joy at being reunited, there is much adjusting that needs to be done by both parties.
Wives and partners who remained at home learned to buy houses, celebrate birthdays and anniversaries alone, fix flat tires, and comfort children. Many became more independent and wondered what it would be like to reunite with their partner after a long separation. For the returning spouse, in addition to the elation of seeing their family, there were also feelings of sadness at missing significant life events--events that can no longer be recaptured.
Both partners will need time to readjust to each other--to changes in themselves, their relationships and routines. Many have endured tremendous hardships and are angry and resentful. What can help these families integrate this transition and move ahead with their lives?
The Transition Guide is an assessment that helps people look at their deficits and resources and then develop new strategies to identify resources that need strengthening. It empowers individuals to know that while many events were out of their control, there are concrete steps that can be taken to retake control of their lives.
