My Journey To The Heart Of Military Marriage

When I first embarked on my journey to understand military marriages, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Little did I know that this voyage would take me to the very core of love, resilience, and sacrifice.

An Unexpected Start

It all began when I met Anna, the wife of a high-ranking military officer, at a local charity event. She exuded grace, strength, and a profound sense of pride for her husband's service to our country.

The Untold Struggles

Curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to delve deeper into the intricacies of military marriages. As I began interviewing couples and doing research, I was astounded by the unspoken challenges they faced on a daily basis.

Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage

by Lawrence M. Drake II(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2713 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

FREE

Descriptive Keyword: Surviving Deployment with Love, Hope, and Determination

The frequent deployments, the uncertainty, and the constant worry took a toll on these couples. Yet, in the midst of all the struggles, there was an unwavering bond that held them together.

Unbreakable Bonds

One of the most inspiring stories I came across was that of Mark and Sarah. They had been married for over a decade and had weathered multiple deployments. Sarah shared with me how their love had grown stronger through the challenges they faced.

Descriptive Long-Tail Keyword for Alt Attribute: Mark and Sarah embracing each other on their reunion after a long deployment.

Mark's deployment had lasted for almost a year, and Sarah had to hold down the fort back home. From managing the household to taking care of their two young children, she carried a heavy load. But amidst all the responsibilities, their love remained steadfast. They exchanged letters, made video calls whenever possible, and counted down the days until their reunion. The moment they embraced again was an indescribable testament to their commitment to each other.

The Power of Support

In my quest to understand military marriages, I also discovered the incredible support networks the spouses had formed. From local support groups to online communities, these networks were lifelines during difficult times.

Finding Strength Through Connection

Through my interviews, I met Susan, a military spouse who had turned her experience into a mission to help others. She founded a nonprofit organization that provided resources and emotional support to military spouses dealing with the challenges of separation and long deployments.

A Sense of Purpose

As my journey progressed, I realized that military marriages were not just about surviving; they were about thriving. Despite the hardships, these couples found a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their commitment to each other and to their country.

Appreciating the Sacrifices

The sacrifices made by military spouses often go unnoticed by the general public. But through my research, I learned that these incredible individuals hold their families together, maintain households, raise children, and support their partners from afar, all while dealing with their own fears and uncertainties.

: Military spouse bidding farewell to their loved one during deployment, showing strength in the face of adversity.

A Grateful

As my journey to the heart of military marriage came to an end, I was left with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration for these couples. They endure challenges that most people can hardly comprehend, yet they do so with unwavering love and resilience.

Continuing the Conversation

I firmly believe that it is important to continue shedding light on the realities of military marriages. By sharing their stories, we can raise awareness, offer support, and honor the sacrifices made by these remarkable individuals.

Joining their Mission

It is through understanding, compassion, and a shared commitment that we can truly support and uplift military marriages. Let us come together and show our gratitude for the heroes on the homefront.

Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage

by Lawrence M. Drake II(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2713 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

FREE

The vulnerable true story of a journey that changed a military spouse's perspective of deployment, herself, and her military marriage.

"Corie shares insights we can bring into our own hearts to see our own relationships with new eyes."—Amy Bushatz, Executive Editor, Military.com

"Your heart will break and heal with every turn of the page."—Taya Kyle, New York Times bestselling author of American Wife and executive director of the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation

Like many military couples, Corie and her husband, Matt, an Army chaplain, accumulated significant unshared moments during Matt’s deployments. When Matt returned, he and Corie began using the term "sacred spaces" for significant moments they had experienced independently. After multiple deployments, sacred spaces were taking up a lot of emotional room in their relationship.

When US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter invited Corie, as the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, to join his team on a one-week overseas holiday trip, she eagerly accepted, hoping to gain a better understanding of her husband’s deployment experience and lessen the impact sacred spaces had on her marriage.

As Corie sat in the belly of a C-17, where her husband had said goodbye to the remains of friends and fellow soldiers, as she touched with her own hands the memorial at FOB Fenty and reflected on her grief as a care team member following the battle of COP Keating, Corie realized this journey was about much more than the push-pull of duty away from loved ones.

This was a journey to the heart of her marriage, a place where she would have to leave behind her resentment in exchange for ground she and her husband had surrendered to hurt, misunderstanding, loss—and to Afghanistan.

Corie set out on this trip hoping to gain a better understanding of her husband and his deployment experience, but along the way, she discovered a whole new perspective of herself and her military marriage. By sharing her story, Corie hopes to help other military couples strengthen their marriages.

Multiple-Award-Winning Book
Living Now Book Awards Gold Medal—Best Relationships/Marriage Book
ForeWord INDIEFAB Book of the Year Awards finalist
Midwest Book Awards Silver

Featured on the TODAY Show as Kathie Lee’s "favorite thing."