Will he still think I am pretty?
Will he still love me?
The answers come in the crush... his arms wrapped around her, after being away so long... tear-stained faces held in the others hands while eyes meet... home at last. He pulls her close again, and spins her around... she, the unsung hero.
She, who put on a smile and waved goodbye, so many months ago... then wrapped her own arms around their children, making promises she doesn't have the power to keep. She gives them everything she has... encouragement, energy, love... to fill the void until he comes home, and so often has nothing left for herself.
She is the one that holds a well of tears just behind her smile, that refuses your offer of taking the kids for a few hours... because to be alone is to have time to let the fears to slip in. To have them away at school is far too long as it is... their touch, the only thing that is truly comforting.
She, who chooses the comfort of the couch over the lonliness of the bed that stretches into emptiness... that is far too quiet. Unless she is lying across it weeping tears that make her wonder Can I ever stop?
She writes love letters and waits by the mailbox for one in return. Her breath catches every time the phone rings... hoping that it might be him. And when it is, she lets the untruths slip from her mouth... We are okay. Everything is fine.
She sits in the unknowing... waiting with hopes wrapped up in prayers, so proud of what he gives. And she keeps wiping away tears, keeps trying to muster up a smile and an I'm doing just fine, keeps praying for her soldier... because it is her part. She does what she does in service to her country... so he can serve his. To make his job easier, to lift burdens from his heart. It is the least she can do... and the most.
They are two, serving their country with honor and pride.
The soldier arrives home in glory... she is the unsung hero.
And she would have it no other way...
12 comments :
Dawn, this is perfect. Just perfect.
xoxo.
Thank you for kind words.
I love this.
Every. single. word.
Warmly,
Ann Marie
PS. I would be honored if you would share this with my readers - I am hosting an imprompt linky today for Veterans Day! :)
My husband just walked in and asked if I had been crying. The answer is of course yes. :)
Oh, Dawn. This could be spoken only by someone who really knows. That kind of knowing doesn't come from reading about, or even thinking about it. It comes only from living it.
I am so grateful to every single veteran. All of you. Every one of you. Thank you for your service. It matters.
This is so beautiful. Thank you for writing this.
This made me cry. Thank you.
Oh my gosh, this is so true.
So beautifully put.
xoxoxo
This is incredible, Dawn. And I know you've lived it, which gives even more meaning to these words. I don't know how you all do it -- those overseas, those waiting at home. Grateful for you.
dawn, i have chillbumps all over and tears in my eyes. again ... i've missed seeing inside your heart.
thank you sweet friend to you and your family for the sacrifices made for our freedom. i'm truly honored ...
Oh this is so true, the women who give so much, amaze me.
Beautifully written.
Beautiful. Thank you.
nice post. thanks.
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