What is a military wife? Well, I am understanding and patient. I run the house and pay the bills. I cry a lot in private (I am crying right now) and wipe the tears of another. I miss my little soldier! I am often underestimated as a person who is not paying attention, but I hear every word spoken, loud and clear. I am trained to do so. It is crucial to survival. It is not about me, but is about the humble person who is willing to give up his life to save many; the person who can fight as ordered and love more than any other can. He is my warrior. He will stand tall when I am a coward. He will raise his arms in defense of our country, when I am only capable of raising my arms to ask questions. I do have a lot of questions!
I am brave because I can manage a family and a household, but ask me what I would do if I was to ever be taken hostage? I would melt. I would die! I am scared! I am clostrophobic! I am closed in right now! I can't breathe! He is brave because he has no fear; no fear of being hurt, no fear of failure and no fear of death.
I could never shoot someone, neither from hate nor love. I could never put a bullet into the heart of someone who only thinks that what he is doing is right. I am not so brave afterall. As I listen to the news, I hear, "Another Canadian soldier down....". My heart feels heavy. I am aching all over. Tears fill my eyes for the loss. I quiver everytime I hear those words. Heaven forbid it could ever be my story! I cannot imagine what it would be like to be the person who just lost her best friend, her life, her everything. I am so lucky! I thank God daily because I still have my best friend, my life, my everything.
What would I do if that was ever lost? Would I live on and continue as a military widow wife or would I die? Would I run the house, pay the bills, cry a lot in private and wipe the tears of another and deem myself an idiot, or would I carry on because I know that is what he would want. Thank God, I still have my warrior and lots of time! I do not have to decide today. My question is, what if it all gets taken away? Please, just put me in the front line so I do not have to decide! In the mean time I am telling you, a military wife is a person with the nerves of steal, a heavy heart and many prayers! She also runs a hell of a household!
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I will add courageous to your description as it is not easy to put your heart into words. I feel your heartache, pride and uncertainty. One thing that may help the flow of your posting would be to create a distinct pattern for each paragraph: something like a strength, then your feelings, then your uncertainty crying in the back of your head. All these areas are provided, but would be more effective with organization. I like that there is a mix of emotions throughout your piece though, it adds to the human aspect of the war. There is so much more than simply having a number of troops, a casualty, a mission. Your post adds a dimension that is too often overlooked: the families left behind. As a final suggestion, I would keep to the tone of your piece and remove the humour of the last sentence. I think it might have been a way to lighten the piece, but it has more strength by leaving the reader in some discomfort. Many thanks for sharing, keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteP.S. May I suggest finding a title befitting your post? I like your first line, and we know what a good title can do for a piece. Sincerely...YSW
ReplyDeleteVery well done. While reading this piece I must admit that I teared up a bit. I have watched many shows especially "Army Wives" and even seeing it on television makes me sad. I do not think I could ever muster up the courage as you have to do what you are doing and staying sane at the same time. Your courage is admirable. I would have to agree with Yuk-Sem on a few things. Although I really enjoyed reading your piece immensely, I felt as though paragraphs containing certain aspects such as emotions, questions, etc. The other point I agree with her on is removing the humour from this piece. As our teacher has said, "we do not always have to leave the reader with a feeling of positivity or accomplishment". Sometimes leaving them with a heavy heart or uncertainty is more affective, as it is in this piece. I commend you for writing this, great job.
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