An Open Letter to the Spouses and Loved Ones of Our Military...

Dear Families,

I wanted to take this opportunity to offer my thanks and gratitude for the sacrifice that you are making for our country as your loved ones go to serve in our nation’s military. We are so blessed to live in a free nation and for this gift, we owe thanks to all our military men and women for service years past, present and future.

We are indebted to your children who must be separated from their parents during this time. It is not easy to explain to a six year old or a sixteen year old, much less a sixty year old parent or grandparent why this needs to be. I have been through this and I know what you are going through. It is more than companionship. It is the daily things that we often take for granted. This person who plays with the children, mows the grass, repairs the car, cooks the meals, does the housework and the laundry, runs the carpool for school, volunteers in the community, walks a restless baby at night and the many more things they do on a regular basis. This is the person that is so missed and so needed.

You and they are in my daily prayers for a speedy and safe return back to their homes of love and support. May God Bless you and bless each and everyone of them.

Love, Hugs and Butterfly Kisses,

Paula

A military Mom, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Proud ex-wife...

The Reality of the Moment

Paula A. Tomey-Allen

25 March 2003

In the darkness of the night, I watch the shadows of the towering trees through the darkened shades blowing to and fro', as I feel your warm body lying next to mine and your warm breath on the back of my dampened neck.

The scent of your fresh cologne tickles my nose and I find my senses straining to capture the moment, as you place your warm, hand on my leg, and I snuggle closer to you, as we lie quietly, intertwined.

And then, as if lightening has struck the image of the moment, I am awakened to the sound of the alarm radio as it loudly squelches out the morning news of soldiers in war apparel rushing in to save a ravaged foreign country.

And, the scent, and the warmth and the closeness are all gone, as I am brought back to the reality of this time, that I am here, alone, and you are there, running through the hot, desert sand in rescue of those who fear for the reality of death.