Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Day 69: Children can be quite the leaders

Today has been quite the emotional day. I am a little too emotional right now to blog, because, once it is out there, I can't take it back. So, I am going to keep this short today.

Yesterday, my son went out to the backyard at 5pm and I went out looking for him. I found him standing stark still, saluting because it was the sounding of retreat. He knows that everyday at 5pm when retreat sounds, that his daddy would be standing up saluting the flag. Daniel now does that almost everyday. As soon as he hears it, he disappears to go outside. It doesn't matter if his favorite show is on TV, he still runs outside as soon as he hears it. Some of the time I miss it until he comes back inside. Other times I stand there and watch in awed silence as my son stands at attention to remember his dad. It truly is amazing to watch my son do something that shows his love and support for his dad.

There is something to be learned from my son. I have learned that showing your love and support is not always through care packages or tears, or holding a photograph or carrying a yellow ribbon. It can be something as simple as remembering him at a specific time every day. It does not have to be sad, but can be something you do with pride. You remember the one you love, you miss him, and yet, you show pride in that memory of him and wait, standing tall and strong for his return. My son has a simple way of remembering his dad. His way of staying connected to Ian. It happens at 5 o'clock every day. And everyday my little 4 year old stands proud and strong to salute his dad (and little does he know, but also everything his dad fights for) until his dad comes home again.

Another day, good, bad or indifferent, is done. Another day I have gone closer to seeing the love of my life again. I can not wait for that sweet reunion.

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