Skip to content
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?
My husband and I met online. We talked for several weeks online, then exchanged numbers. After another week of talking, I had to know if the chemistry I felt through conversation was the same in person. So, we had a date and he had me at his beautiful baby blue eyes, tattoos, and his hilariously funny personality. After that first date, we were inseparable and dated every single weekend! We were engaged a year later and married after that year-long engagement. We have been together for almost 6 years and married for almost four of those.
I have a Master of Arts degree in Educational Media and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. My background and training is in adult & special education, but military life has diverted my career path into several areas for the last few years. In addition to being a military spouse, I am also a blogger, freelance writer, aqua cycling instructor, virtual assistant, and avid volunteer in the local Fort Bragg community. I will be a first-time mom this Fall to a precious little baby boy, who is our miracle rainbow baby.
My husband and I absolutely love to garden. We spend a ton of time outdoors on our land tending to our two gardens that are in their 3rd season. One is a flower and herb memorial garden that lasts year-round. Our other garden is for our seasonal vegetables. It is a labor of love for us.
WHICH MILITARY BRANCH DOES YOUR SPOUSE SERVE IN AND FOR HOW MANY YEARS HAS HE SERVED?
The US Army 82nd Airborne Division for nine years.
WHERE HAS THE MILITARY MOVED YOUR FAMILY OVER THE YEARS? WHICH WAS YOUR FAVORITE DUTY STATION AND WHY?
My husband has been at Fort Bragg, NC his entire career so far. I am from North Carolina, so that has been fine with me. However, we do anticipate a PCS in the near future and I would LOVE to stay in the southeast.
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?
One of the best aspects of being a military spouse is being a part of something much greater than ourselves. This life is not easy, but it has surely allowed me to grow and adapt in ways I never imagined possible. In return, it has made me a much stronger and more resilient person.
WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
My mother is one of my biggest life inspirations. She is the bravest, most courageous, ambitious, and spiritual person I have ever known. She moves through life with such grace and she has taught me so much about strength over the years. I am grateful for having her as an influence in my life and hope I can be just as an amazing mother and influence to our son as she has been to me.
WHICH CHARLIEMADISON EVERYDAY REMINDER DO YOU WEAR ON YOUR WRIST AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR BRACELET?
The Balance Bracelet | Life is about balance and military life helps us to intentionally refine these skills. I believe that true contentment and happiness does not come from one particular thing or activity, but rather from a balance of things in life. The key is to make sure your time and life is well balanced so you have time for the things and people that truly matter and bring you joy. This bracelet will remind me to do just that.
Balance Bracelet | Essential Oil Diffuser 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?
Military life brings with it rapid change and uncertainty. In order to persevere through the not so favorable parts of military life, it is important to have a true balance in your life in many areas such as spiritual, fitness, family, work, and home life. I intentionally review my schedule and how I am spending my time to make sure that balance is happening.
I devote time to my community through volunteerism, my family, my career, exercise, and faith. I encourage all military spouses to be your own person apart from the service member and find support, groups, and activities that will help bring joy and balance into your life. Those are the things that will help you through the tough times in this lifestyle and gives you a sense of identity and purpose.
WE HAPPEN TO BE QUOTE LOVERS AROUND HERE – CAN YOU SHARE A FAVORITE QUOTE THAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED?
There is always a need for good in the world, so be that good no matter how tough or ugly the world can be. One act of kindness can go a long way in the lives of others.
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21 New International Version (NIV)
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
From Wendi's Blog
WEBSITE
http://www.facebook.com/strength4spouses
https://www.instagram.com/strength4spouses
Strength4S
strength4spouses@gmail.com