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This column is the second in a series focusing on Army Wives and their sacrifices.  Devon Connaroe, who drew from conversations with six Army Wives, coauthors the series, which will feature a list of "Top Things Not To Say To The Spouse of a Deployed Soldier."

Occasionally, Soldiers are complimented for their service.  While recognition never fails to bring a smile, there is a group of much stronger, much more deserving individuals:  Army Wives or military spouses.

The hardships that a military spouse endures are hard to imagine even to Soldiers.  To sacrifice a year or more apart from their husband or wife, often cases the father or mother of their children, and take on all household responsibilities is a thankless task.

Occupied with executing combat missions and reacting on muscle memory, Soldiers reflect on what he or she is missing back home only during downtime.  Although the spouse carries on, her life is never as busy that she forgets her husband.  And in this sense, her job is tougher than her Soldier's. 

Army Wives are left with the responsibility of maintaining a home, a yard, a career, children, cars, pets, and every task that their Soldier used to handle.  On top of that, the military spouse must worry that her Soldier is in danger and have faith that God will provide.

Those not in the military atmosphere try to offer support and empathy.  Often times, these well-intended attempts are not well thought out.  The following is a collection of such thoughts that are intended with consideration but come across as inconsiderate or oblivious at best. 

My Army Wife, Devon Connaroe, compiled this “Top Things Not To Say To The Spouse of a Deployed Soldier” from fellow Soldiers’ wives.  The following list of lines from family and friends are memorable, because they are particularly discomforting.  In fact, they drive her into a world if isolation, believing that no one understands.