I've always wanted an entourage. The thought of carrying around a Chihuahua in my tote and having a person style my hair while I’m holding my cell phone seems rather appealing. I’m kidding, of course, but to some extent the thought of having multiple people surround me daily catering to my needs it rather attractive.
But I do have one, in a way. Not only am I thankful for my civilian friends who support my kiddos and their friendships, but I’m thankful for my real-life entourage that surrounds me on this military journey of mine. (And I don’t have to worry about paparazzi jumping out of the bushes for quick pics when I travel with my entourage.)
Some of my entourage crew I’d like to thank:
Our parents and siblings: Thank you. Thanks for ensuring the kids and I are never alone on a major holiday. Thanks for providing countless days of childcare (we know you don’t see it that way) as we house hunt and unpack from all our PCS (time and time again). Lord knows without the support of you all we couldn’t make this lifestyle happen.
My cleaning/maintenance crew: The lawn crew and cleaning lady team that give us the military discount: you rock! I’m well aware you don’t make what you deserve and it warms my heart that you give us a heck of a deal because – as you’ve told me before – it’s your way of serving. God bless you, and thank you for giving us more time to spend together as a family (and the last thing anyone wants to see is me attempting to mow our big ol’ sloped lawn).
My hometown friends: Thank you for traveling to me at every military move location. Each time you visit I feel a piece of “home” in my current state. Thanks for making me feel “normal” and keeping in touch with me through the year and over the miles. Distance means nothing…and you prove it to me year after year.
My clients: Thank you for understanding that my career (and your deliverables via my company) takes a two-week hiatus every two to three years when we PCS and still standing beside me. You’ve allowed me to further my career and help provide countless jobs to military spouses and veterans worldwide by supporting our mission at Powerhouse Planning.
Local friends: (Note: tears are in my eyes as we embark on our fourth military move in nine years in the next few months.) Thank you, friends. You knew we were a military family when we met and you embraced us. You loved us like we would be in your community forever. You invited my child to playdates week after week. You allowed us to serve in leadership roles. You encouraged us to get involved, come to cookouts, and go on double dates. You acted like it would always be easy…simple…and never-changing. We needed that. We needed you…thanks for “needing” us. You’re the hardest to leave and to thank because you’ve been the “normal” in our lives for the past few years and now we have to move onward and start looking for more “normalcy.”
Civilians: Thank you for asking how you can help. Thank you for clearing my driveway of snow when you knew my husband was on travel. Thank you for helping me carry out the trash and recycling because you saw me trying to do it (and looking like an ant carrying a breadcrumb). Thanks for sometimes not asking how to help but just doing…your servants hood is noticed and we appreciate you.
My husband: Thank you for serving. Thanks for letting me serve beside you. Thanks for letting my “crazy” slide when PCS happens. You back my career as we move…you cheerlead me as I join every organization I can get my hands into so I feel normal within the first few months of every move. Thanks for continually telling me you’re proud of what I’ve accomplished along the way in our journey. Thanks for loving me through the good…bad…and ugly.
My entourage is big. You all know who you are and if I haven’t said it before, just know that I can live without the Chihuahua in my tote, but I can’t live without you in my entourage. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of my crew.
Jessica Bertsch is a proud Coastie wife and mom of a 3 1/2 year old and a 4 month old. In her “spare” time she runs Powerhouse Planning, LLC www.powerhouseplanning.com.
