A common place...

Early 20's & not a care in the world. Trying to prove that we could make it on our own to our families, friends, and anyone else we felt was watching. Something all brought us in one common place, that for a short glimpse of our life- became home. One institution: The United States Marine Corps weaved our lives together during this glimpse of our lives. Whether we were the one enlisted, or the spouse of one enlisted, we were all somehow brought to this place to meet one another, bond on some level, and then move on with our lives.

We came from all parts of the US, and listened to one another's stories about what life was like back home, what our friend's were up to, what our families were like. For those of us married, our friends back home thought we were crazy getting married so young, but here nobody judged or mentioned anything of the sort... it was the norm.

This common place happened to be this spec on the map called, Havelock, North Carolina. Home of Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station. Some of us had gotten there before others, and some came and went... but this was our place, our journey for however long we were there for.

For me, I embraced the Southern roots that Havelock had to offer. Squirming as I jumped into a (probably extremely filthy) river where a huge playground for kids of all ages had been built holding hands with another Marine Corps wife (it was a play at your own risk type of thing). Spending days at the ocean with whoever was able to go on that day. Eating at Bojangles (oh yes, greasy, greasy, greasy)! Finding jobs that would bring home some extra money like waitressing the lunch rush at Andy's Cheese steaks on the Marine Corps Base serving Burgers ("all the way") which included, slaw, chili, mustard, and onions. And during my job interview, I had to have that memorized! I also did some mentoring to further my experience in human services.

Having card nights till all hours in the morning, because nobody was there to tell us we couldn't. Even if it was on the roof of our house! Trying to raise puppies (because it seemed there was an overabundance of strays around town), having not a clue what to do with the poor animal- and here I am 8 years later, and she is part of my family! Attending the Marine Corps ball (even if it wasn't with my husband)! Planning extravagant proposals, yes, a typical weekend :)

Grieving a devastating loss together, and just knowing we weren't alone.

No matter what direction life took us in (for some they are still a part of the Marine Corps, other's have moved back home, some are no longer with their spouse) but that is okay... because that is life- forever changing and always dynamic.

For that moment in time, we shared a common place... Havelock, NC. More than a common place, we shared a short period of our lives with one another...