I placed a poem in this Blog almost a year ago. However I feel that in Light of the latest actions in Afghanistan you may wish to read it again.
Our non uniformed members of Canada's invisible army. Known as dependants in military speak. They have many stressors in their daily lives that most Canadians do not. Should I watch the news? Should I not watch the news? Should I answer the door or the phone in the middle of the night? What is that knock on the door? All of these thoughts pass through families minds on a daily basis. The ones left at home have to mind the children through Colds and illness. Insure they are fed and dressed for school all the while worrying about their husband or wife in areas of this world that are less than hospitable.To quote a phrase from WW2 they Keep the home fires burning
The Parents, Wives, Husbands and Children who have had their loved one returned to travel the highway of heroes in a sombre honourable convoy grieve, seeing the spirit of Canada at each overpass. These men and women will always be remembered in memorials and cenotaphs throughout the country. However the memories and thoughts are all the loved ones have, Children that will not be taught Skating, Fishing, or even Catch by a parent , who will not be returning to their lives, must grieve and move on with only a photo and a memory. Wives and Husbands who will not share an anniversary or birthday again,
So I now show this poem again Written by a Mother in The USA whose son a young Marine was KIA.
Warrior
I never wore the uniform,
no medals on my chest.
The band it doesn't play for me,
I am not among the Best.
I do not march in cadence,
I do not rate salute,
I stand among the silent ranks,
our devotion absolute.
If you've not worn my shoes,
you do not know my story.
I live a life of sacrifice,
my reward a private glory.
I've wept many silent nights away,
and I've kept the home fires burning.
I've worried and I've waited,
as world events were churning.
I've moved more times than you can fathom,
left more people than you've known.
I've planted gardens round the world--
Very few that I've seen grown.
I've grieved with new-made widows,
and had my share of scares--
when a ship or plane or man was down,
and all I had were prayers.
I'm not asking for your sympathy,
(although appreciation can be nice)
I did it quite on purpose though--
I chose to sacrifice.
I'll tell you a secret now,
one you'd never guess.
About the one glory that is mine,
it's just enough, no more ,no less.
When you and I stand together
as our national anthem plays,
I'll fill with reminiscences
of how I spent those days.
I'll know the pain and joys again,
I'll know that freedom isn't free,
I'll know I've helped to pay the price,
and that the anthem plays for me.
To all the members of Canada's Invisible Army May they be blessed and protected by the Lord. And may all our serving troops be safe and return home to their Loved ones.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
