I read somewhere that the official flower of the military brat is the dandelion. Why a dandelion? The plant puts down roots almost anywhere, and it's almost impossible to destroy. The dandelion is an unpretentious plant, yet good looking (except for the habit of being where you least expect it.) It's a survivor in a broad range of climates.

Experts say that military children are well-rounded, culturally aware, tolerant, and extremely resilient. But, that doesn’t happen by accident. Behind every military child are military parents working hard to enhance the lifestyle that is handed to our military brats — even before they can appreciate it.

I used to worry a lot about our daughters being “military brats.” What about changing schools, making new friends, and ever finding some place to call “home”? Would they be well adjusted adults? What if something happens to their daddy? How will I be able to raise this family alone? What about roots, were we intentionally not giving them any roots? I could go on and on but military spouses know what worries I'm talking about.

I started to think about my life before the military and my life now, and related it to my daughters’. There are so many things they’ll never know they “could have not had.” For instance, growing up my family couldn’t afford a lot of the things that the military allows my husband and me to give to our children. Not necessary toys and candy or vacations, things like dental insurance, and health insurance. Sure, navigation of the system is a pain in the butt, but they have health insurance. They never have to worry that daddy will lose his job, or there won’t be food on the table, or a roof over their head.

Then I think about what makes me who I am today. I think the best thing I ever did was get out of the town I grew up in to go and see something different. I was able to do that because of the military. Those friends are still there and I love them to pieces. I can honestly say that because of the military I have so many friends all over the world now. My daughters may see things differently by finding friends everywhere and longing for a place to stay put. Fortunately,  it’s a lot cheaper and easier to stay put than it would be to try to travel to all cool places we’ll have gotten to visit in their lifetime.

So when I really started to think about it, I see the military more as a benefit to my children than a disservice. I mean what kids do you know who don’t know black from white and all play as one big family, have such pride in community, and get to relocate all over the world? Sure, I worry about deployment and separation but kids are resilient and they learn how families and friends can stay connected and love each other despite their locations.Just like that dandelion, military children really do live the motto “bloom where you're planted.”