Most of my life I could easily leave behind. I had a dysfunctional, verbally abusive childhood. I had a verbally abusive marriage. My work life was one I could do without, but I needed an income. However, there was one part of my work life that I enjoyed and didn’t want to say goodbye to – my life in the Navy.

I enjoyed the navy. I enjoyed being part of something meaningful. It was a sad day when my CO decided pregnant women didn’t belong in service and I found myself out of the only thing in my life that held meaning up to that point.

Yes, I was married at the time, and yes, I was about to have my first baby, but finding myself out of the Navy was hard. I fought against it for almost nine months. I sent one chit after another with reasons why I wanted to stay in and why it would be beneficial. My CO sent me to other W.A.V.E. officers who had children to try to persuade me about the benefits of getting out of the Navy. I never saw those as benefits. However, it was my CO’s decision and I found myself with a shortened career. It is my only regret to this day.

What is the saddest part of your life you said goodbye to? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading. The image belongs to me.