Down by the Riverside

(My husband is on the Mississippi with the IL Army National Guard
This is an excerpt from a letter to him.)


I know it is probably little comfort to tell you that your presence there (as a unit) is probably giving a lot of people peace of mind. The more I think if it, another effect presents itself in my mind.

Remember when I told you that I liked it when you wore your hat (or uniform) in public and people could see that you are a veteran? Remember why? Because it gives people the opportunity to direct their gratitude and appreciation, but also to remind them that our guys are still out there defending freedom, fighting for liberty. This, when people rise to the occasion, can instill in them a sense of honor and patriotism and even gratefulness. When I think of the fact that there are IL National Guard troops on the Mississippi there to help, prepared to do what they can to help no matter what does or does not happen, I get that same kind of feeling. I wonder if there are folks up and down the river right now thinking, "we are not alone in this".

Even the faintest echo of unity can inspire hope. Hands united to work together, to be there for each other, can strengthen a resolve, give determination a boost and affirm in us the value of life, liberty and the pursuit. I can determine to work hard and build a home for my family. I can do all that I can to strengthen the defense of that home and insure that it will be there for years to come. But when my neighbor or better yet, a stranger, comes to my aid when that home is threatened, I believe there is a bond that forms. Your neighbor, that stranger, becomes your brother, part of your family. He will stand beside you and toil and fight to defend you. And when it is his home that is threatened, you will stand with him, not because you owe him, although you do, but because he is your brother.

When the National Guard comes to places like the tiny town you are in and, strangers that you are, you stand hand in hand with the people there, or even in their stead, against the threat - be it man made or not, something happens. These folks cannot repay you by coming up here and piling sandbags or building and maintaining levees in these land locked areas. But one day, inspired by the actions that saved their homes, they may answer the call to be like their heroes, to be a Guardsman.

I hope you enjoyed this contemplation. I hope that while patrolling in the middle of the night and your mind wanders to comforting thoughts of home, that you also take a minute and think of the Citizen Soldiers to come, who may become heroes because you guys are there now.

Coming Home

When she was a little girl

and daddy went away

She would anticipate his return

each and every day

and when from window, door or stoop

she would see him from afar

out she would run to greet him

as he stepped out of the car

deep in his pockets her little hands

would search until she found

the treasure he would bring her

that he bought while traveling around

Then up in his arms he would sweep her

and a kiss she would plant on his face

and there was no sweeter thing to him

then returning to that place



Year after year as time would fly

on trip after trip he would go

every time she was there to greet him

inch upon inch she would grow


(to be continued)