We didn't ask for this war. We didn't plan for you to get involved in it, though we knew it could happen. Today I honor you, my soldier who accepts his duty to leave his family for a year and serve his country.
How I treasure every moment with you. Every little moment that I've taken for granted over the past several years. I lay in bed next to you and felt the way you curled up behind me and wrapped your arm around my shoulders. I love that. I turned around and looked at you and you said, "You are so beautiful in the morning." You always say that. I don't know what you're seeing! But I just wanted to memorize you. The golden flecks in your blue-green eyes. The red stubble on your chin. Your wild eyebrow hairs that don't want to conform.
You held my hand in church. Our arms were stretched across the pew with our two little boys playing between us. I saw how your eyes reddened during the song and I can only imagine the thoughts that must be going through your head. I know the ones that go through mine. A year without you. A year of church, birthdays, Christmas, anniversary, all without you. Our oldest will be getting ready for kindergarten. Our youngest will be three, and not the youngest anymore. The baby will be almost walking. You rubbed your fingers over my knuckles and I held the moment close to my heart.
You led our family in prayer again. I love listening to you bless our house and our children and pray for our safety and prosperity. I love that you are so willing to kneel before God and in such a simple way set an example for our little children. My heart hurts that they won't see you kneel in prayer again for a long time.
I watched you playing with our boys today. They love jumping off the steps into your arms. You laughed every time they giggled and shrieked. You gathered up the little one and tickled him all over. He attached himself to you, not letting you even go to the bathroom without taking your hand. "Hand, Daddy." It made me smile. I know you are memorizing these moments also.
I love you. I am so proud of you. You are doing something honorable and wonderful and our nation thanks you. We will pray for you. Please come home to us.
35 comments:
Yes, thank you for serving!
Beautiful, touching post. My thoughts will be with your family and others not just today. Thank you.
Oh, Tamara. That was sweet. Thank you, Mark, for going and serving us all.
I love your new look!
thank you, ladies. Your kind thoughts mean a lot to us!
Glad you like it Mary!
So beautiful - God Bless you, your family and your soldier. I like the new look.
Touching. Mark's departure really brings it all home to us, doesn't it.
Memorial Day is a time to remember all the soldiers, who, like Mark, sacrificed everything to defend our nation. THANK YOU!
May God be with you and your family, always. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
It's hard for me to be proud, Mark, as I'm an Englishman, but I am proud. Very proud. I'm proud of all of you. If only everyone in the world were like you and your family, the world would be such a better place.
I hope your God looks over all of you, as He should.
Oh, Tamara. I have a big hug for both of you.
What a beautiful post. You and your family will be in my thoughts until your soldier comes home.
Thank you, everyone. Kurt, I'm so pleased that even an Englishman is proud of Mark!
Your thoughtfulness makes me teary-eyed. Oh let's face it, everything does right now.
Sounds like you've got a lot of people who have you and your family in their thoughts and prayers. Add me to the list.
Thank you, Ann. I appreciate it!
Wow! What a heart-felt beautiful post!
Lovely - you brought tears to my ears Tamara. It's such an important day for everyone - but it means so much more to people in your situations. You're such strong people to do what you both do. Your children will learn so much from your examples. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Jemi, your comment brought tears to my eyes! I'm so glad you could feel the emotion!
Oh Tamara! I cried just reading this! We pray everyday that he will be safe. Please give him a hug for us and tell him that we admire and love him. Then tell him to hug you for us and tell you how much we love and admire you. May God keep you all safe!
you should have seen me writing it, connie! I couldn't stop crying! I'll pass your thoughts on to Mark, for sure!
I pray for a speedy and safe return for all the soldiers. Their sacrifice is greatly appreciated. And Tamara, I would have been crying, too, if I'd try to write this. Thanks for finding the strength to post it. It was heartwarming.
Tamara, you made me cry. We'll be praying for Mark too. And yes, this year "remembering those who serve" means a bit more for me; especially when I consider in 4 years we might be in your same shoes. That's tough. We are very proud of Mark, and we love him too. We love you, too!
I'm excited to see you in a few weeks!
I like the new look, too.
Tamara this was so sweet, and so close to home! I pray for him daily along with your family. It is important to remember those who served and those who are still serving.
Happy belated Memorial Day!
What a beautiful post, Tamara, and a great tribute to your husband. I wish you and your family well!
oh, and I love your new layout! It's very pretty and organized in here!
This is a beautiful and touching post!! Yes, thank you for serving!!!
I just ended up here by chance, and my, how moving!
God bless all of you for the service you are offering all of us.
Amber, I'll be here when it's your turn!
Hi Amanda! Nice to see a new face. Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for all the well wishes,everyone, and please remember us over the next year!
Very touching, Tamara. I will say my prayers for you and hope all goes well. You're not alone in this. =)
--Dezi
Thank you, Mark. Words can't express my gratitude. I wish you both the best, and a speedy and safe year. Tamara - beautiful post.
I'm a little late in replying, but the sentiments are still the same, Tamara. My thoughts and love to you and your family. This post was so beautifully written and moving, straight from the heart. *wait, I need a Kleenex*
Tamara, this post is really sweet and touchng! I'm a Marine... I left my husband for a year to go to Iraq in 2008... and I'm not going to lie, it was really hard at times, but it's a worthwhile sacrifice - for military members AND their spouses. You guys, the wives and husbands, give up just as much as we do. Bless you and your husband!
Thank you, Guinevere! It's really nice to have an inner perspective. I can only guess at what my husband is thinking/feeling. I'm so happy that you made it through. It gives me tons of hope!
Wow, Tamara, I couldn't read this without tears in my eyes. Beautifully written. We're so appreciative of Mark's service and the journey he embarks on today. We are looking forward to getting to know you and your boys better and learning how we can serve YOU while he is serving all of us.
So, when are we going to fix that front door? :)
Kasey, you're awesome! thanks for visiting my blog!
hmm, the door...ha ha! let me know when is convenient for you and I can probably be there! (except Tuesdays--I go to Grandma's on those days.)
Beautiful tribute. May peace come to you and the world.
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