Sometimes I am just so confused as why things have to be...
Today a very dear friend of mine is leaving to go across the ocean to fight for our country in Afganistan. He is leaving his wife, his son and his daughter to help protect our freedoms. But, why? I know that it is imperative for this to happen...I know he has no choice in the matter..and I know that he believes in what he is doing. But I still have to ask why.
His wife is also a friend of mine and has been for a long time. She has to be going thru an entire gamet of emotions today. Fear....Sadness...Loneliness....and more Fear. As much as we hate to admit it, the reality of any possibility of him failing to return is still there. She had to come to terms with what would happen if this became an actual reality for their family. But just because she has come to terms on the paperwork as to what will happen, she will never want to know that reality first hand. Decisions had to be discussed and finalized and emotions of such intensity have been brought into light. This had to be very hard and take a toll on anyone, let alone a wife with small children at home. We never want to hear that knock at the door or hear the voice of a Commanding Officer stating our biggest and scariest moment of our lives. And until the day when he is safely on American soil once again, every time she hears a knock on her door...fear will overtake her.
He is going to come back...he is going to hold his children again and he is going to be among all the family and friends who are and will continue to support his decisions.
He will be gone for 9 months. 9 months! Even just typing that sounds like so long. But, because I have endured the "9 month" pregnancy process not once, but 4 times, 9 months is not that long. It is just enough time to be torn between the missing of someone and the welcoming that person home.
I must give hats off to her. Hats off to the children who are without a parent because of their service. Hats off to all mothers of boys and girls serving in the Middle East. And yes, I meant boys and girls...they left as boys and girls and are returning to us as Men and Women. War insists and demands that they grow up. No time for hot wheels, baby dolls and playing on the swings. The pride of each day should be felt in all of us. Each day may be full of not knowing, but each day is closer to the day of return!
So, why does this have to happen? Why does this have to be?
Because our freedoms are worth fighting for.....our families, our friends, our homeland....all worth it!
I never wanted to see you go back there. But since you have to, promise me that you will return to us.
Hurry home Tommy! There are many people who are waiting to see that smiling face again!
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