Celebrating the Milestones We Miss Together

Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays—milestones that most families celebrate together are often missed in the SOF lifestyle. For SOF spouses, these moments can feel bittersweet, as they find ways to honor them despite the distance or absence of a loved one.

The Reality of Missing Milestones

Deployments, training, and unpredictable schedules mean SOF families rarely celebrate important dates together. While service members are often physically absent, spouses are left to carry the emotional weight of these moments.

Creative Ways to Celebrate Apart

• Virtual Connections: Schedule video calls to share the day together, even if only briefly.

• Care Packages: Send thoughtful gifts or mementos to let your loved one know they’re celebrated.

• Delayed Celebrations: Plan a “make-up” event when your partner returns home, creating new traditions.

Honoring the Moment

Even when you’re apart, finding ways to celebrate can make the milestone special. Whether it’s baking a cake with the kids or journaling your feelings, these small acts keep the connection alive.