A woman recently shared her family’s heartfelt tradition on social media as her husband prepares for another deployment.
“Welcome to the start of our deployment wall!” Willis wrote in her video. “It’s still a work in progress—we’ll finish it once he leaves!”
Her husband, Kyle, has had four deployments in the last three years, and they’ve always created some form of a deployment wall. This time, they’ve decided to enhance it beyond just counting down the days until his return.
“I found inspiration from other military spouses and added my personal touch,” she mentioned.
In a follow-up clip, she showcased the special features of the wall: a countdown, a play area filled with stuffed animals, wall clocks to track the time difference, and even chocolate “kisses” from their dad. The kids are loving it.
“The kids love going over to draw and search for ‘kisses’ from Daddy. It’s a wonderful way for them to stay connected with Kyle while he’s away,” Willis expressed.
@hellowillisfam/Instagram
Life as a Military Spouse
Willis described the experience of being a military wife as “unique” and often hard to relate to for those outside the community.
“You typically move every few years, and deployments can create a distance from family. Building a supportive community is essential,” she clarified.
After three deployments, the family has matured significantly, especially during this final farewell.
“With each deployment, we’ve faced challenges and triumphs. It’s been a mix of thriving and surviving,” Willis said, recalling a tough deployment during her high-risk pregnancy.
“Kyle returned just two weeks before our youngest was born,” she added.
Despite the struggles, she emphasized that these experiences illuminate the value of their togetherness. As the kids grow older, they increasingly appreciate their time with their dad.
Willis shared that their faith in Christianity and a strong sense of community help them navigate these tough times—and assist others in similar situations.
“Being a military spouse can often feel isolating, especially when those around you might not fully grasp what you and your children endure,” she remarked. “However, our roots are strong, allowing us to reach out to others facing the same challenges.”
Community Responses
Willis’ story resonated with many on Instagram, with users expressing admiration for her approach to keeping her kids connected to their father.
“I remember these feelings,” @katie.cartrett commented. “It’s tough for kids to grasp, but it’s wonderful that you’ve created a special space for them.”
“As someone whose dad spent a significant part of my childhood overseas, this hit home!” @dailydoseof.rose shared. “It’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Sending love to your family!”
“This brought me to tears,” @hannahehutton wrote. “What a beautiful way to help your kids process their feelings.”