The New Kid

Good morning and welcome to Sharing Saturday. This month, we’ve been talking about military families and what they face. Today, it’s about being the new kid on the block… always.
One thing military families can count on is moving. Sometimes that happens three years after arriving on an assignment, other times it can be longer or shorter. There is no “I don’t want to go” allowed. The military member and their family are going to the new base, despite teary eyed teens screaming that you’re destroying their lives or small children angry they’re leaving their friends behind. The whole family is affected by this move and getting past being the new kid on the block is also a family issue.
You arrive at your new base. The drive into housing brings the usual feelings… everyone is watching you. You’re wondering if they’re thinking your vehicle is too big or too small, too expensive or too cheap. The kids are restive after being cooped up day after day. They want to get out and explore, but you’ve made a firm rule—everyone unpacks first. Once you’ve got the lay of the land, they may explore.
Your newly minted teenager is grumbling under her breath that she has nothing that’s anywhere as cool as the clothes the other teens are wearing. The younger children are jerking their heads in all directions, taking in the area and complaining the playground equipment isn’t the same as their last base. Your spouse is talking about meeting up with some of the people in his or her new unit, and you’re ready to explode.
Once you arrive at your assigned housing unit, everyone spills out. You holler that they have to help unpack the car and nearly swallow your tongue when your thirteen year old daughter stops in front of this tall, gangly, pimply faced teenage boy. They’re talking and it looks like they might even be laughing.
Hang on there, keeper of the family sanity. Don’t rush over too fast to remind your daughter about her chores. Let her meet a new friend and gently call her over to assist. You might even get some help from the boy in lugging the heavy stuff. Don’t look a gift bored teen in the mouth. They can do wonders for family morale.
Now that you’ve relaxed your rules, you notice people coming out of houses and heading in your direction. Their welcoming smiles put you at ease. Some are carrying boxes of pizza (because what military move is accomplished without tons of pizza) while others have soft drinks. Soon, you’re still the new kid but you feel like you’ve known these people forever.


About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.

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