Skip to main content

A HUG FOR MY SOLDIER




















This one's for you, Sean.
 
Wrapping my arms around you
one last time
before saying goodbye.
Striving to communicate
all that is in my heart
before you walk away.
The words trapped inside
bubbling to the surface
revealing the son that remains,
lingering long after you are gone.
Words for you,
My son.

My son
A man that fills me with
ADMIRATION for the time spent
studying and researching
before venturing into the unknown.

My son
A man that fills me with
PRIDE for following your path
knowing the uncertainty
of where it will lead.

My son
A man that fills me with
MEMORIES of early mornings in the gym,
street dancers in December,
games, grammar, and goodwill cards on the living room floor.

My son
A man that fills me with
CONFIDENCE in the soldier
you will become.
No doubt, a leader of men.

My son
A man that fills me with
LOVE for that little boy
with the big glasses
who played with butterflies
instead of baseballs
who built sandcastles on the shore
and sold tickets to his shows.

LOVE for the teenager
living so carefree
playing in the band
kicking the soccer ball
lighting up the stage, or
opening his heart and home
to friends in need.

LOVE for the man
finding his way back home
spending time with sisters
watching movies, lounging, laughing.
displaying patience and wisdom
in the midst of turmoil and chaos
on the field and at home.

Today you walk
into the arms of Uncle Sam;
may his arms engulf and protect you
until my arms can wrap around you once again.

Comments

  1. David AbbottApril 4, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    My Son went to Basic at Fort Benning and it was a challenging time for all involved. We waited with joy and excitement for the limited calls. We worried when he sounded exhausted and tired, we prayed when he had his tests and exams, we rejoiced when he stood strong and tall at the graduation ceremonies.

    As a note of connection, often times you can find communities for the specific boot camp on Facebook. It's a great resource. Fort B also put up pictures every so often to show how much fun the soldiers were having. You may also reach out to me if you'd like. Pat R knows how to get hold of me...

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 4, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    Oh mandie my heart goes out to you. I have been there and it is not easy BUT I know you will handle it well. We think that once our children grow up life will get easier BUT it doesn't BUT this is when family and friends are there for you.Where is he going for basic ? When you get an address for him PLEASE have your Mom get it to me. Thank you. Love you. Marguerite

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

An Easter Lesson

I decided that this break I was going to stay home and spend the week doing things I have not done or haven't done in awhile. It all began Thursday night with Ballroom Dancing, which will continue on Monday and Thursday with lessons. Saturday, I bought a couple of new outfits. Today brought both something I hadn't done in awhile and something new. Today, I went to church which was pretty cool in itself. I went with someone I just met the day before. (I am sure that is no surprise to any of you who know me.) We made plans to meet up at church. It was different from any church I had been in before. The chairs were set up "in the round." There was no piano or organ to accompany our singing. People were in and out throughout the 90 minute service. No surprise, the place was packed. The service was your typical protestant service, minus the organ, of course. It had been awhile since my friend had been to church. Many in the congregation flocked to him at the end to gi...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Christmas Ache

Christmas. For many it is a joyful day filled with family and good food, for others it is a struggle to get through the day.  Yesterday was my final Christmas waking up in an empty house. I don't want to do it again. The 50 plus years of waking up super early to either sneak to the tree and open my stocking or hear my kids do the same has made the silence of Christmas morning unbearable. The last four years, I have been waking up to an empty house. I had invites this year from every member of my family. I declined them for a variety of reasons, which do not matter in this piece of writing. What matters is today I talked to people who also struggled through Christmas day.  When alone, one can get caught up in one's feelings and think they are the only one going through whatever it is. In this case, being alone on Christmas. The ache inside begins. The tears flow. It doesn't help that the Hallmark channel is playing the formulaic Christmas movies. You know the one. It ...
Post a Comment
Read more

WABDR: Section 1

Section 1  We end at the beginning  Does it feel like this trip will never end? Epic adventures tend to last a bit longer than just an average one. So….on with our tale.  We got our bikes all packed up and continued over White Pass. The first time we went over it, it was a cloudy day. Thus, the visibility of the mountains was not much. I was expecting the same on our return trip to Packwood. Therefore, it took my breath away when I saw the mountain off in the distance for the first time. The beauty was so overwhelming, I teared up.    I continued to watch the mountain until I could see it no more. Soon we were in Packwood. Back where we started. After a quick breakfast at the local coffee shop, we were on our way. I may have taken a few minutes to ride the big bike first… Not too long though, because someone was ready to get moving.  Jennifer had some friends that were camping at Walupt Lake, which is right on the trail for Sectio...
Post a Comment
Read more