Appreciate What You Have.

Too many times I take my wife and family for granted. Brenda and I new each other in high school and have been married for thirteen years. We have an eleven year old girl, Sandra, and a nine year old son named Scott. They seemed to be well rounded kids meaning they did well in school, their extra activities, and weren’t spoiled. They didn’t go without but Brenda and I didn’t believe going over board with them either but right now I wish I could give then everything and anything to keep them from hearing what I was going to have to tell them soon and had no idea how I was going to do that.

My wife had been put in hospital a couple of hours ago. She had been trying to keep a secret about her illness away from me for awhile and I couldn’t believe how blind I had been not to see it but she was always the type of person not to complain and put the best foot forward. She didn’t want to worry me she had told me but if we had only taken AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION maybe we could have slowed this horrible disease that was eating her up faster than we realized.

The doctor told us there was one slim chance we could try but he wouldn’t know TIL TOMORROW COMES and it did. There was nothing they could do. It was a matter of weeks and my beloved Brenda would be gone. I was sitting on the edge of her bed, with tears rolling down my face. She reached for my hands and whispered, “HUSH AND KISS ME then go home to the children they need you now.”

I just held her because there were no words I could say without totally loosing it.

How I got through telling the children I really don’t remember but after all was said we hung onto each other and cried.

Brenda deteriorated faster than I ever imagined she would. We all spent as much time as possible with her and through it all she still managed to smile and be the strong one.

The day came; we knew it was any time that she could slip away from us. Brenda told Sandra and Scott to always love and look out for each other and that Dad would be there for them and always remember how much I love you both. My sister took the children to the family room while I stayed with Brenda.

Her last words to me were, “FOREVER AND ALWAYS I will live in your heart and to IMAGINE THAT I’M LOOKING DOWN sending you my love. It will be my love that will help you and the children.”

I leaned forward, whispered, “I love you too,” looked up and she was gone. Between the tears rolling down my face again I looked at her peaceful look she was giving back to me.

That was a month ago. The children and I are taking ONE DAY AT A TIME learning that we had to keep going but for me it was never taking anything for granted ever again. I will always spend as much time as possible with my children and let them know how much I love them every day.

ONE DAY AT A TIME is how we should all live and be so grateful for what we have.

I often look up and IMAGINE THAT Brenda is looking down upon us all.

Gary I cried out you will never believe what I just heard. What is it? Work wants to transfer me to Alaska. What are we going to do? It will be okay Debbie I promised you we would be together Forever and Always. We will figure something out. We will just have to take this One Day At A Time until we reach a conclusion. You moving to Alaska Imagine That. Where do they come up with these transfer ideas. Did they say when they wanted you to leave? No, and I was so upset I forgot to ask. Well we won’t be able to get any more details Til Tomorrow Comes since it is after 5pm now. Oh Gary what are we going to do? There There it will be okay come here honey now Hush and kiss me. Isn’t that better. Now we have to think of some way to get you out of this. Remember what Ben Franklin always said An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We will have to discover now what will prevent this transfer. The end.

With hands to their hearts, the young men and women stood, facing the very flag which made hearts swell, with pride. Lifting their voices to the Nations Anthem, I thought, “I think I may cry.” What a sight to behold, these brave young soldiers, marching in time…to a battlefield unknown. At that time of day, it was easy to see the great numbers of people who had gathered to say their final goodbyes. Mothers sobbing, Fathers hands shaking as they hugged their sons and daughters goodbye. Then, from the corner of my eye, I saw and heard a small voice saying, “Daddy, will you sing me one more love song before you go?” Then another voice, “I’m not that patient, I just want to be near you!” What was once a celebratory farewell had now become a heart rendering experience for me, as I stood there and watched as many hearts broke, that day. In the distance I saw a long line of men, waiting, looking back to see if they could perhaps, get a last glance before getting onto the awaiting plane. A sight so sad, I had to leave. While walking away, I heard another voice, one of anger and one of dissent! “Stop your warring,” the angry voice shouted! In disbelief, my eyes were now clouded as I boldly walked into the crowd gathered. “Put up your dukes!” I said, as I shouted…God BLESS AMERICA and ALL who doubt HER!

Sorry, Sarge, my Dear, I am too busy getting back on my feet, like you suggested, and giving the Liberals HELL. It is my duty as an American, who wants to keep us alive and free, ya know. Hope you get a great story. Love ya!