PATCHlife - A Military Spouse Perspective

Welcome to Rai

This wonderful lady left Fiji 16 years ago to follow her husband in his military journey. She has paved a new path for herself currently in her 3rd year of a Nursing degree, facing the challenges of military life with 3 kids and one on the way! She gives great advice for Commonwealth families and fellow spouses on moving and friendships.
Enjoy!

Welcome to Emma

Emma talks entertainingly about her time as a Navy wife and then explains how life changed when her husband was diagnosed and sadly died from cancer. Amongst many things, we talk about coping strategies for when partners are away and how she uses techniques learnt from her military wife life to continue forward with her two children. She explains how it is possible to grow life around grief and how she has got through the past 8 years with her ‘team’.
We must mention there is discussion about death so this episode comes with a mental health warning, please listen with care and as Emma says in her introduction, maybe wait to listen without young children around.
We hope you can take away positives and feel the immense love in this episode.

Welcome to Rosie

Rosie is currently out in Belgium - we talk (amongst many things about what this wonderful life offers) …all things career and how it can change, not once but multiple times depending on circumstances, how not to close yourself off to opportunities of different employments…It makes for one hell of a ride!
Rosie is so passionate about making the most of our time as military spouses…let her infectious enthusiasm inspire you!
Enjoy!

Welcome to Grace

Grace is a fabulous lady, a Radiographer in the NHS living in Scotland! We talk all things dogs and mountain climbing and about how her faith is a constant in her military life. She explains how both communities intertwine and create comfort and friendship through moves and deployment. Enjoy the giggles and advice!

Welcome to Steph

Steph talks about her life as a spouse in the military before and after she became unwell with a complex Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), becoming wheelchair dependant within 48 hours.
She talks about being a mum and how her horse Bubba became her hero on 4 legs helping her navigate this new life. Steph's ongoing battle with her continuously changing medical needs has not stopped her from doing the things she loved prior to her health deterioation and disability, but rather spurred her on to get more from life than what would outwardly seem possible.
Enjoy listening!

Welcome to Jen

Jen is an army wife, who has just relocated to Scotland. She grew up with with her father in the Army so has gone full circle … army child to army wife! How has it changed?! Enjoy the sillyness and laughter!

Welcome to Vanessa

We speak to Vanessa who is currently out in Canada. Having lived her military wife life mostly abroad and then married unaccompanied, she explains her ways of coping with long distance relationships and what it is like being posted abroad with children!

Welcome to Abraham

A unicorn in his own right, we talk to Abraham a male military spouse about his experiences and how he has navigated supporting his wife and family through this military life!
Excuse the false start at the beginning…technical difficulties!!!

Welcome to Zara

Listen to Zara, A midwife excelling in her field and  her inspiring journey that exemplifies adaptability, resilience, and the power of community in military spouse life.
 

Welcome to Heather

Heather is founder of Forces Wives Challenge, a wonderful advocate of this bonkers life and how to make the most of what life throws at you!
Enjoy!