Hoping to Inspire

I came across such an incredible giveaway today, a spot in an Amy Wenzel Workshop and my heart skipped a beat. Amy wants to know how contestants inspire others, so here is my (very personal) story and my entry for this wonderful opportunity.

****

Dear Amy,
I’m conflicted. I’m 23 years old and have found the man of my dreams. I always said I would never marry a service member. I couldn’t possibly be strong enough to handle the nights alone or the months of worry. Yet love has a way and I fell hopelessly into his arms. So we marry and move into a life that you never really understand until you are thrown into it.

Dear Amy,
I’m frustrated. I’m 24 years old and questioning where I fit in this lifestyle. What a wonderful and promising job I left behind to be with this person I care so deeply about. The temp agency is sending me to a new location on Monday. Someone is out sick so I know it won’t be long term. Monday comes and I spend the day at a desk, answering phones and transferring calls. No one introduces themselves, no one asks me to join them for lunch. I won’t be here tomorrow, so why bother. Andy gives me the good news, goodbye Florida, hello Texas.

Dear Amy,
I feel in limbo. My husband’s dreams are coming true. I’ve always known it was a possibility. He’s wanted to land a plane on a carrier since he saw Top Gun as a boy. Yet I feel like where once I could define myself, now I’m only a shadow waiting patiently for my chance to step out. I’ve found a job, this one working from home but something is pulling at me. Two pink lines and I’m over the moon excited. An ER visit later, numbness. I never got the chance to tell him. He won’t be home for a few days either. A few months later, two lines again! Yet life has a way of repeating itself. At least he was home this time. Training is over, time to move.

Dear Amy,
We are here in Virginia. A specialist, two lines and a heartbeat later bring a beautiful boy to our world. I dust off my camera. The months drag on during the first deployment and I engulf myself into this uncovered passion. Happiness finally arrives with a welcome home kiss that made the deployment almost seem worth it. A month or two home, then away for more training. I’ve known all along it’s coming. I spend the holidays dreading the inevitable. New Year’s Day comes and he is gone again. This time for longer. This time it’s harder. We barely had our hello. We barely got used to the idea of welcoming a 2nd child into our home. Back to the single mom routine.

Dear Amy,
I’ve read about your incredible giveaway today. Being a military wife, you get through the hard days by looking to those who inspire you and hope to one day be in a position to inspire others. When I married into the Navy, I had no idea that I would be signing away my identity. Photography has given that gift back to me. It has given me a passion that can carry me through deployments and through the career moves we have yet to make. I hope to lead others to find their life inspiration, to take risks, and to have no regrets. I have so much to learn and a spot in your workshop would truly be a gift. Amy, most importantly, I need you to teach me how to make an identity for myself in this industry. I cannot afford for this endeavor to fail. If I lose this passion, I lose myself again. I am so grateful for your consideration.