Today after church he got a little gift. A perfect stranger said a word or two to him as he was putting the carts away in the coral. I couldn't hear the exchange from inside the car, but I knew the body language well. The man asked a question, my husband perked up and answered him. Then, the older man walked a few steps so he could shake his hand. They continued to chat a bit, but I knew that man had just thanked and honored my husband for serving his country. This is always a tear jerker for me.
I know what he and our family endured and sacrificed while he was in service. The wounds, though not visible, are there. The time spent away for training. Missed family functions and birthdays. The abuse at the hands of those who should stand up for the innocent. All of these things are reality in military life. But, being thanked takes a little bit of the sting from it.
I know the military helped shape this man I love, in good and frustrating ways alike, but he is now on the path to being the man he always wanted to be. A patient, kind, loving, God fearing provider. I now can thank the service for that...5 months after. And, I have to say I love my man in uniform!
