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We believe stories are important - they connect us with other women who share similar experiences and help us feel as if we're not alone when life throws us a curveball. And as a military spouse - owned company, we believe in the power of sharing stories of fellow military spouses. The military spouse community is a unique sisterhood - they show strength with every relocation, deployment, and lost job; they’re resilient - making a new home and forming new friendships at each duty station; and they are fiercely devoted to the family and military hero they love. Despite the uncertainty and sacrifice that military life brings, military spouses face each new challenge with grace and bravery. At Charliemadison Originals, we're celebrating our sisterhood of military spouses through our Meet a Milspouse series - sharing one story at a time and giving you a glimpse inside their world.
GIVE US A BEHIND-THE-SCENES PEEK AT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY – HOW DID YOU BECOME A MILITARY SPOUSE (MILSPOUSE)? WHAT DO YOU DO IN ADDITION TO BEING A MILSPOUSE? AND A FUN FACT ABOUT YOUR MILITARY FAMILY?
When Matt and I got married, we had a completely different plan laid out for our life and military was not part of it. One day, while Matt was working out in the Seminary gym, he met a former green beret who was studying to come back in as a chaplain. Matt rushed home to tell me he found exactly what he wanted to do with his life. I actually told him “no.” I look back and laugh about that now.
I wasn’t ready for this lifestyle at the time, but he was right- it was exactly what he was created to do and I can honestly say the same for me. As a counselor, I have devoted my life to encouraging military and first responder couples to make their marriage the mission and change their family tree. In addition to counseling, I now offer clinical consulting and leadership development to service organizations and businesses that work with service families.
A fun fact about our little military family is that the Weathers family are complete comic book nerds. We have such serious jobs, reading about our favorite superhero is a fun way to think about how we can each become who God designed us to be. I truly believe my husband is Captain America and you should see us at Halloween every year.
WHICH MILITARY BRANCH DOES YOUR SPOUSE SERVE IN AND FOR HOW MANY YEARS HAS HE SERVED?
He is an active duty Army Chaplain and he served 3 years Reserves and has now been active for 12.
WHERE HAS THE MILITARY MOVED YOUR FAMILY OVER THE YEARS? WHICH WAS YOUR FAVORITE DUTY STATION AND WHY?
We move more than the average military family- moving 7 times in the last 8 years. We have lived in Colorado, Georgia (twice), South Carolina (twice), Virginia, and now Kansas. My favorite duty station was Colorado. After growing up in the south, it was the most incredible experience to wake up to the ever changing landscape of the mountains literally across the street from your house.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A MILITARY SPOUSE? TELL US SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED OR HAS MADE YOU STRONGER BECAUSE YOU ARE A MILSPOUSE?
By far my favorite thing about being a military spouse is the character that is shaped in me (and others I see every day) by having to push through the difficulty of this lifestyle. It is never easy in the moment, but I wouldn’t change the depth of strength, grit, and endurance it has brought into my life.
That younger me that said “no” when my husband asked if he could become a chaplain was only saying no because she was afraid. I’m so glad my husband was persistent and cast vision for all we could do and become as a military family. I have learned that I can adapt with every change and difficulty and the best part is knowing that our whole family has learned that there is a better “us” on the other side of every challenge.
WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
I absolutely love seeing someone doing exactly what they are created to do- with excellence. I am inspired by professional dancers, musicians- I love hearing someone tell me how excited they are about their job. It could be a businessman, SWAT team leader or special forces service member, or a military spouse that starts her own business. There is something amazing and inspiring about seeing someone truly do something they love and at the same time give it all they’ve got to do it well.
WHICH CHARLIEMADISON EVERYDAY REMINDER DO YOU WEAR ON YOUR WRIST AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR BRACELET?
I chose the Lifegiver Bracelet, which is a collaboration between Charliemadison Originals and my Lifegiver marriage enrichment platform, which is represented by a strong color of blue. The blue reminds me of the calling I have on my life to encourage service couples. The Lifegiver Bracelet keeps with the same blue color theme, but adds two Rose Quartz stones that symbolize two unfinished souls that are challenged to forgive, open their hearts, heal emotional wounds and establish peace. In order for me to be a “lifegiver” to others, I first must make sure there is life being breathed into me each day.
Lifegiver Marriage Bracelet
WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY CONNECTED TO WHAT MATTERS MOST, DESPITE THE UNCERTAINTY, FREQUENT MOVES, AND DEPLOYMENTS THAT GO ALONG WITH BEING A MILITARY FAMILY?
I have learned that I absolutely must give myself 20 minutes at the start of every day to center myself or the day will take off with me feeling frazzled and behind. Whether it is before everyone else gets up or after they walk out the door, time to sit, read my Bible, set my intentions for my day must be a daily practice to stay focused on what is most important. The world is loud, fast paced and filled with consumers. If I don’t stay grounded, it will be too easy to lose track of the most important things in life.
WE HAPPEN TO BE QUOTE LOVERS AROUND HERE – CAN YOU SHARE A FAVORITE QUOTE THAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED?
I have two!!
“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” ~ Mother Teresa
“When it comes to adversity… smile at it, smack in the face, and go win the day.” ~ Rorke Denver, Navy Seal
