Strangers are family...

We haven't met yet.

This is another quote from a movie I watched recently. Being a military spouse has taught me a few things about meeting strangers. Number one some strangers don't want to be met! I chuckle as I write this thinking of some of the people I have ran into along the way. There are days as a domestic engineer where you long for adult interaction. Whether it be just a smile, or just casual conversation. Maybe you just want to vent about your frustrations of this sometimes chaotic life. The only problem is not everyone lives this crazy chaotic life.

I remember when we moved into the neighborhood we are in now. It was nice, I felt accomplished as I made the move by myself while Mike was deployed. I had wonderful helpers, but I knew nothing about the neighborhood, or the people. A few months later when the pool opened up, I decided to take the kids for a swim. It was nice the water was so refreshing and I loved having this new perk to occupy time while my dear hubby was gone. While in the pool, I over heard some ladies talking about their husbands traveling to Virginia and immediately though "oh they must be military." Well Of course I asked them and they abruptly looked at me said no, and without hesitation went back to whatever they were discussing not giving me a second glance. It kinda stung a little. I was just trying to be friendly. Trying to meet other moms that might have had something in common with me. After that I was hesitant to talk to people, thinking maybe this side of town is a little more snootier than I first thought.

Fast forward a few months later. Wednesday and Thursday were library days when MaKenna was home with me. We would go to Story Time on Wednesdays, and that is where I met Lauren. She had brought her daughter too. I was hesitant to speak, but with her bulging pregnant belly, I couldn't resist. You know the typical pregnancy questions that everyone asks. She was so sweet and friendly. We talked all through Story Time and even went to lunch afterwards to talk some more. Through our talk I found out that she was a Navy Spouse as well. Some times I truly believe that fate brings Military Wives together. They need someone to understand them, their frustrations, and all the military lingo that goes along with it. From that day forward we have been friends, not to mention our daughters adore each other. These are those stranger we meet on life's path. The ones that will remain in our hearts forever. No matter where the Navy takes us, or what rank our husbands are we will forever know that our friendship was formed first. People like that we don't call friends we call family!