8:19 AM Mon, Mar 06, 2006 | Permalink
Scott Kesterson
E-mail
|
There is an excitement in change. The gathering of people, whether strangers or friend. The bustle of activity, conversations, and the safety of the group that suddenly becomes part of your family. This is the child's place. Eager to be part of something they may not yet comprehend. There is the fascination of the uniforms, the equipment, and the people that gather to watch their antics, as if they are placed on a stage.
In these moments of change, we come together as a group. The mission lurks in the shadows, all of us knowing that these fathers will soon depart. It is a time that we allow our children greater forgiveness and reign to play. A time when we remain focussed on the love that we may have of passed over on the days that lead up to this juncture. And our children come alive. They blossom with smiles, their eyes sparkle, as they embrace the occasion with joy. They remind us of the importance of being in the present, as we struggle with questions of our tomorrows, and our pain.
The memories of these moments are the place from which to draw strength. When the days grow lonely, and the world seems to be bigger than what we can bear, our children can remind us of what is most important... love. We may not be able to explain to them why. We may not be able to remove their fears. However, they look to us to reassure them, to hold them and to remind them that he will be safe.
Far away, in a world as foreign to them as the places of fantasy where they dream, their father holds their picture. A daily reminder of what he is there for; a reminder to return home unharmed. The child's love can bridge continents. The parents love must do the same.
As the soldiers began to file out, the reality began to settle in. Her eyes darted from side to side, searching the many faces, all dressed the same. Then her words rang out,..."Good-bye, Daddy." Over the clamor of the dull rumble of chatter, her voice cut like a knife to the heart.
RSS feed: http://www.beloblog.com/KGW_Blogs/afghanistan/index.xml
Copyright, Scott Kesterson- 2006
