As our son and his wife began their move across country to a new duty station, for some reason, memories of when this military adventure of ours began came flooding in.
I remember that day... that day when the boys and I said our good-byes to you in the parking lot of the hotel you would depart from the following morning. Each of us had eyes filled with tears. Letting go of you to send you on your way to become a soldier was a mixture of excitement for you, but sadness for us, for the months we would spend without you.
Returning home that night, the first thing I did was pull out a pen and paper and write that first letter to you.
"Dear, I just returned home a bit ago from saying our good-byes. We cried for a bit longer and then Zack made a comment to make us all laugh. I miss you already, but I'm so incredibly proud of you."And here my love for writing began. Here my love for a written letter began.
I waited as patiently as one can for the first letter I would receive from you.
"Dear Beth, I have started this letter at least five times. I really don't know what to say other than I miss you and I love you. I will hold on to your last words to me with every ounce of strength I have."Our mailman quickly became my favorite person as new letters from you were delivered home.
Then it became time to send our oldest son off to become a sailor. Could I survive another good-bye? Yes, I could because I had learned the secret to survival...letters!
Letters to both of you were written, sealed and mailed daily. Every day I'd race home filled with hopes of opening the mailbox to a letter from one (hopefully both) of you. I remember the day I opened a letter from that son of ours that simply said, "I love you, Mom."
I'm filled with wonderful memories of watching you both become a soldier and sailor. But my greatest memories will always be of the joy found in every letter written and every letter received.
As we prepare to send you on your way again to do the very thing you set out to do, my heart aches over saying good-bye again, but I will wait patiently for your first letter home. And oh, how I will be ready to write to you.
My love, thank you for what I consider precious treasures: letters of love from you.
With all my heart,
Me
****
This is simply beautiful - you share tender and intimate moments with such grace and give a true picture of what love really is. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by James. Blessings to you.
DeleteSo beautiful, Beth. I have tears in my eyes and I thank you for the life you have led on behalf of our country. Bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shelly. I do so love this opportunity to connect with others and read how they are inspired by a single word. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteI sign my letters or emails to Ron - Love, Me
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. What a great memory and sentiment. Moreover, what a great sacrifice from you all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debra. I appreciate you stopping by and you kind sentiments. Blessings to you.
DeleteWhen my second son entered Basic Training - I received 3 letters - and I cherished those letters, what they revealed about the man being re-shaped:) Thank you, your husband and your son for their courageous service - your remembering was simply beautiful and so filled with love - thank you for sharing it:)
ReplyDeleteI love what you wrote..."what they revealed about the man being re-shaped." So true! Thank you to your son for his service. Is he still serving? Thank you for stopping by and sharing. Blessings to yo.
DeleteMy Chief was known as the Mailman during our dating days. It is how we courted and got to know each other. I still have his letters but somehow mine have been lost--such a loss! Now I live for the text message with the silly endearments. The Chief is hoping the children get more into e-mailing him letters. I will use this to remind them of what it will mean to him, to them. Thanks! (Stopping by from FMF, thanks for visiting me too.)
ReplyDeleteWeeping, Beth! I am so moved by this reflection and your bravery, your whole family's bravery, in releasing your blessed men to do what they have been called to do. God bless you! And thanks for stopping by Our Storie!
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