One Wish

Over the last few weeks, our family has experienced quite an emotional roller coaster. I guess you can say that the end of the school year is getting to all of us. There have been tears, tantrums, excitement and anticipation building in my children. As for myself, I have been working through the days. I have been pacing myself for one day at a time and one check in the box at a time. I have been trying to be firm, but patient with the girls as we all experience this process. Trying to be firm and reassuring all at the same time can become quite overwhelming while playing the role of a single parent. At times, I thought my i-calendar and my emotions just might blow up if I had to add one more thing to my to-do list. So yesterday as my i- calendar reminded me was my children's open house for school. This evening is a much anticipated night for all of the children in the school because it is their opportunity to show off all of the things they have created and worked so hard on all year long. I must say, I was very impressed with what I saw that evening. It was so good to see that our children are in such a loving and nuturing environment that they can and are thriving in. The first class that I visited was Caroline's. I have always had a soft spot for Kindergarten and her class has been no exception. I admired her work and listened as she explained each paper in detail. I was so proud to see how far she has come since the beginning of the school year. Her artwork and abilities were stunning and I could not have been more excited for her achievements. The second class we visited was Grace's second grade class. It was here that she did some similar things as Caroline, but her work was more mature, elegant, and fine tuned. The books she made displayed her writing abilities along with her drawing abilities and I was taken back by her ability to express herself through her writing. As I turned through her Family Tree book, she had a page there that was called "My One Wish". I stared at it for a moment taking in each word written and right there in front of everyone, I could feel my lip quiver and warm tears run down my face. I guess you can say I met my emotional bubble. It burst. Finally, the message my little girl has been trying to send to me over the last few weeks through her meltdowns, frustration and lack of obedience was shown very true through her writing. Out of all the things one could wish for she wished her daddy could come back home early.

I have heard the expression that a room stood still and for the first time ever, I knew what that expression meant. I had not a care who was around me, I heard nothing, I only felt this strong heartache as I read each line on her page. Finally, she looked up and noticed me crying and asked me if I was ok and I reassured her I was ok and that her writing was so beautiful that it moved me to tears. She just beamed that beautiful smile she had. While all along I could not help but wonder what did the other children wish for. Was it something similar, something materialistic. My little girl wished for her daddy! I then could not help to realize how many people do not understand the emotions and sacrifices these little people make every day for their country. They too are patriots and should not be forgotten. From those children who miss their daddy while they are away to those daddy's that will never come home. I came home last night and I just could not help but to keep thinking about what she wrote. I questioned our life for the first time and asked "is this worth it"? I texted the picture of her writing to a dear friend and only told her about it briefly, but knew she would understand. She too has children and her husband a Marine. Her words were encouraging that she wrote back. She was right, our children are growing up strong. They do miss out on their family time, but when we are all together, we understand the value of family time. We understand sacrifice and putting others before ourselves. It is what we do. But I could not let this one moment pass when I could share this small glimpse of our world from the eyes and heart of my daughter to those outside of our Marine Corps family. You need to know that this little girl trades everything for her country!!! Our land of the free is truly free because of the brave whether at home or while at sea!!!!