Contemplating.

Contemplating.
Wayzata, Minnesota

Monday, April 23, 2012

Relation + Faith = Elation




Just a few weeks shy of a year ago 
I joined a crowd of loved ones
for a day of farewells.
We were mostly strangers to each other.
Until being joined together by invincible strings
tugging deeply at our souls;
as we all climbed aboard another mystic juncture
of fear, apprehension and fleeting trust.


Familiar, quavering voices surrounded sullen faces
as we shared farewell wishes.






I studied your expressions 
as well as those around you.
Secretly I applaud your exhilaration
and dedication;
that so perfectly outlines your pure inner happiness
as you embark upon another chapter in your book of life
where faith leads warrior;
or is it the other way around?


Soon we'll see that army face take place
as it gobbles up every bit of your joy-bearing person
just so you stay ahead of the muck.







You are defined by your devotion,
even as so many of us standing here
are digging our feet so tightly into the dirt beneath our souls
it's all the whispers I remember so clearly now.
So many people are ashamed to admit they have ceased belief
of this mission you are banking your life upon.
As you stand strong, we shall support you, again.


I must admit while I watch your loved ones
all standing proud and excited,
inside, my gratitude, for your valor-
disappeared before your flight left the ground.

But, that's my secret.

At twenty something you are a beloved son, brother, husband and father....
on yet your second tour of duty.
365 days seems short to those without tensions.
Oddly enough on that day, I wondered if you'd ever add grandfather to that list?
Silly thoughts plague worried souls,
even with whispers of wonder dancing through our thoughts, of you,
lost in an undesirable land;
doing, what is it again, I can't remember?


At last, the dawning of today
brings joy to our hearts
as we gather together again.

What's that we hear coming up the quiet street?
Why it's so many sirens leading four buses
toward this joyous crowd.



Your excited little girl calling "It's Daddy!"




Elated, delighted, jumping up and down with excitiment.
While a year ago your life was put on pause,
right now as you step down from the bus
you are home again!





Our prayers have been answered.


We are thankful.




......and God bless you one and all.  Our hearts are bursting with joy.

13 comments:

Little Nell said...

What a very moving post Karen. I'm so pleased for you.

Jenny Woolf said...

What a truly great post, Karen. It really made me feel for the wives and families of those whose loved ones go to serve in these terrible wars. thank you for making me think.

Max Sartin said...

I have always loved your way with words, never sure which is better - your pictures or your words. This one is up there with the best!

Sage said...

Wonderful post and I love that picture of the daughter!

Alexia said...

How lovely - what a very moving post, Karen. I love the pictures and the comments.

Linda said...

Beautiful!

darlin said...

Thank God for bringing your son-in-law home safely. What a blessed occasion, thank you for sharing your fantastic news with us. What a touching post!

21 Wits said...

Thank you all, for your kind words. Yesterday was truly a joyful world wind of emotions. Tears of joy, and knowing that he's safely home!

21 Wits said...

Alexia- thank you so much. How happy I am that you stopped by!

21 Wits said...

Sage, thanks, that's Lyra my little princess grand-daughter! Sometimes I think her daddy being gone was the most hardest on her! Now, Life is complete again!

FilipBlog said...

This must be very emotional, I am happy for all these families and for espacialy for your family.

Greetings,
Filip

laurak/ForestWalkArt :) said...

a very happy time for sure!

and a terrific 'dedication' to all who serve...

21 Wits said...

Thank you all so much for your kind words!