In 1999, Sarah was a typical bride-to-be, flustered with wedding details. Then the groom called. "I don't want you to panic, but I might not be able to come to our wedding..."

So began Sarah Smiley's life as a military wife. As a former Navy brat herself, Sarah knew better than anyone that weddings and funerals-even childbirth!-take a backseat to Uncle Sam. But just as the young syndicated columnist gets comfortable with the military wife's routine, her husband is sent away for unexpected deployment. What follows is a true test of strength and wit. From getting locked out of the house in cowgirl pajamas to wrestling with the temptation of infidelity, Sarah exposes it all with candor, heart-and knowing humor.