Recently I had a birthday. I had a great time with friends and family. Enjoyed a lunch and dinner at two of my favorite places to eat. Mostly I felt blessed by all the people I get to share life with.
However, the worst part of deployments are the empty seats where your loved one should be. It is the second birthday that Bestie has missed because he is in a war zone. He's missed several more being stationed across the country. At the dinner and when we were goofing off and telling stories that night, I had fun. I enjoyed myself. But I still felt like his presence was missing in the whole affair.
I wish he could have been there to share in our fun and have some of the AMAZING cake that Sandy baked for me. But he did what he could. My heart was lifted by a slightly garbled phone call from far away and a energetic birthday wish from him. Getting to here him and have him sound good is an excellent birthday gift, if he cannot be here to share the fun.
I am also aware in these moments, of those families whose empty seat was never filled. My heart hurts for them in the knowledge that they won't get even the phone calls any longer.
Again, I am reminded of how blessed I am.
1 comment:
Well, kid... you know if I could have been there, I would have. And bestie-in-law would have been right there with me. Don't worry. I will be back safe and sound soon enough. The wife and I miss you, too... :(
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