April is the month of the Military Child. This year’s theme is “Military Youth and Children: Brave, Fearless, and Resilient.” I am glad we have a month to recognize military children. Yet, I realize this month should remind me of other important things.
When I had little ones running around, staying up with their activities, playdates, and medical appointments filled every square on my calendar. Yes, I am talking about old-school paper hanging on the side of the refrigerator calendar. Each child had their own color. The eldest was purple, the middle was teal, and the youngest was red. I based my colors on their favorite color. My husband was in either black or green, depending on which was handy when he told me of events.
I deconflicted events and times as needed and tried to combine driving to activities with other moms. Carpooling was a huge sanity saver. I could stay home with one or two while someone else went to the activity. Often, I drove pick-up because of my husband’s schedule.
Every Sunday, I reviewed the week’s activities. Where did I have free time? Did I need snacks for an activity? What needed to be washed and ready to wear on a particular day? The colors all over the calendar seemed overwhelming, yet somehow, my village helped me through it.
Most years, it wasn’t until April that I realized I didn’t have a color for myself on the calendar. April is my birthday month, and I try to have my mammogram and pap done during this month. Yet I started the month not even having a color, let alone any appointments for myself.
As my kids became more independent, I realized I needed to schedule my annual visits as faithfully as I had scheduled the kids’. Yes, I can hear you laughing at my forgetfulness. Or is it nervous laughter because you also forget your annual visits? I understand how easy it is to forget. Life gets busy, and time passes so fast.
I am using the Month of the Military Child to wear purple and pink this year. Pink reminds me to schedule my well-woman visit, and purple reminds me to call my doctor, dentist, eye doctor, and other medical professional. I may not get all my appointments in April, but it will remind me that my health is essential, and I need to add my colors to my calendar.
While we celebrate military kids, let’s also be sure to take care of those who raise and care for them. Our health is vital to the well-being of our families and our future. I hope you will join me in wearing pink one day in April to remind you to call for well-woman appointments. On April 15, wear purple to support and celebrate military kids, but also remember to call for all your other appointments. Let’s set ourselves up to finish the year strong by working on our health.