H i, I am 22 years old and married to a soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces. We are currently stationed in Ontario where we have lived for 2 years now and recently had our first child. The reason I am even telling anyone this is while I am very proud of my husband, I would like people to know how hard it is being married to the army.

M y husband is leaving in the middle of July for Bosnia for his first tour of duty. I know that when you become involved with someone who joins the army you are always faced with the fact that they may leave one day for a long stretch. I am very used to my husband leaving for a month or so on a frequent basis. However my husband is leaving me alone with our daughter for at least six months. It may even be longer now that it is heating up over there. I have to face the idea that he may never come back and I will have to become a mother and father to our daughter. I just needed to vent a little stress out because his departure scares me to death.

P lease understand that I am not looking for pity. I would just feel better if people understood what really goes on in military life. You never hear about all the wonderful things that our hardworking soldiers do for you. Please remember that they put their lives on the line for our country.

M y husband is going to miss his daughter's first words, first steps, first birthday and she will not even remember who he is when he comes back. So please think about our men and women who leave their families to help keep peace.

Editors Note: This letter carries with it an important message about the life of our modern military family that with today's peace, is probably all but forgotten in our country. It reminds us of the special commitment, courage and sacrifice that our Peace Keepers and their families continue to make to preserve the peace for all of us. Many thanks to all our Peace Keepers AND their families for their deep and unconditional commitment to Canada. You have my sincere gratitude and respect. God bless you, and good luck. Pat Fowler