EP073 Memorial Day Salute

<p>Today we honor our service members that made the ultimate sacrifice.  On this Memorial Day, we are thrilled to share the story of one Gold Star spouse, Krista Simpson Anderson.  She graciously shared her story during the 2020 Military Marriage Day virtual celebration.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Krista Simpson Anderson is the wife of active duty Green Beret MSG Gus Anderson and the Gold Star spouse of Green Beret SSG Michael H. Simpson who passed away on 1 May 2013 from wounds sustained in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack in Eastern Afghanistan. She is the mother of two boys, Michael and Gabriel. Krista co-founded The Unquiet Professional in 2013, providing healthy and empowering opportunities to Gold Star and Surviving families, Veterans and their families. She is the Gold Star Liaison for the Green Beret Foundation, is a member of the speakers board for Folds of Honor, sits on the board for Gold Star Sailing Foundation and Raise for Rowyn and is a member of the Army’s Survivor Advisory Working Group. Krista is currently the Military Spouse Ambassador for Army Emergency Relief and is co-authoring a book, Her Ruck: The emotional backpack of military wives. </p> <p>In This Episode:</p> <ul><li>Today, pause to honor our fallen service members and Gold Star Families on Memorial Day</li> <li>Staying close while apart through communication, writing and a shared faith</li> <li>Use therapy help improve your life and marriage relationship</li> <li>Take time away for just the two of you</li> <li> The deep sadness of a Gold Star spouse </li> <li>Surviving with the help of God and learning how to forgive those that caused the loss, love self and feel worthy of love again </li> <li>Love may feel differently after loss, but that doesn't mean it's not real.  </li> <li>Being intentional about loving her present spouse, while honoring the souse she lost</li> <li>Act on your love</li> <li>Military marriages take work, but because of the challenges can yield an stronger relationship</li> <li>Never forget why you