The Year in Review: SOF Spouses Held It Together
- Steph Cole
- Dec 17, 2024
- 3 min read
Celebrating Your Strength as 2024 Winds Down
As the final days of 2024 approach, let’s pause and reflect—not on what you didn’t get done or the moments that felt overwhelming, but on everything you *did* accomplish this year. SOF spouses are nothing short of extraordinary, and this post is dedicated to celebrating you.
You’ve kept the fort standing, balanced the chaos, and managed to smile through it all (even if it sometimes felt forced). While your GI Joe was away, serving in his high-stakes world, you’ve been doing something equally heroic: holding your family together with grace, grit, and unwavering determination.
Running the Household Solo
This year, you wore every hat imaginable: CEO of the household, chef, chauffeur, nurse, financial planner, and more. While others had a partner to share the load, you managed it all on your own. Whether it was fixing the dishwasher, figuring out taxes, or remembering to pack all the snacks for soccer practice, you were the one making it happen.
You handled it like a pro, even when you were stretched too thin. There were days when you wanted to collapse from exhaustion, but you kept going—because that’s what you do. And while it may feel like no one notices, let this serve as your reminder: You’re incredible.
Being Both Parents at Once
When your spouse is away, the “mom” and “dad” hats get worn simultaneously—and that’s no small feat. From bedtime stories and math homework to pep talks and tough love, you’ve been everything your tiny humans needed this year.
You showed up for every scraped knee, every tantrum, and every milestone. You were the one cheering the loudest at their games, snapping pictures at school events, and holding them close when they missed their dad.
It’s not just hard—it’s emotionally exhausting. But you did it. You made your kids feel loved and supported, even when you were running on empty. That’s the kind of strength that shapes resilient (and deeply loved) kids.
Keeping the Fort Standing
The phrase *“holding down the fort”* doesn’t quite capture everything you’ve managed this year. It’s not just about keeping the house in order; it’s about keeping your family grounded when life feels uncertain.
You balanced the emotional weight of missing your spouse with the everyday realities of keeping things moving forward. You’ve handled the stress of deployments, the last-minute schedule changes, and the inevitable emergencies that seem to pop up when your partner is gone.
It wasn’t easy, and some days it felt downright impossible. But you did it—with grace, determination, and maybe a few deep breaths (or well-deserved glasses of wine).
A Moment of Reflection
As 2024 winds down, take a moment to look back—not at the challenges, but at the triumphs. Every small victory, every problem solved, every hug you gave your kids when they needed it most—those moments matter.
It’s okay to feel tired. It’s okay to wish your GI Joe had been there to shoulder some of the load. But don’t forget to recognize just how much you’ve done, and how well you’ve done it.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we step into a new year, let’s carry forward a sense of pride for all we’ve accomplished. Yes, there’s still more to do, but you’ve proven time and time again that you’re capable of handling whatever comes your way.
Here’s to a new year filled with more support, more connection, and maybe even a little more balance (because let’s be honest, you deserve it).
You Are Amazing
SOF spouses, this is your reminder: You’ve done something extraordinary this year. You’ve kept the home fires burning, raised amazing kids, and handled it all with poise. While your GI Joe was out there serving, you were serving too—in ways that often go unnoticed but are no less impactful.
So, as 2024 comes to a close, give yourself permission to rest, reflect, and celebrate. You’ve earned it. And as you step into 2025, know this: You are more than enough.
From all of us at Lotus River Wellness, thank you for everything you’ve done. We see you. We celebrate you. And we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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