Sep 2018
A military way of life began years ago
When Dad decided that is the way he would go.
This decision was not at that time by him made,
In fact, many years later into this reality he would wade.
Many new experiences gave him much enjoyment,
As he eagerly transitioned into this new employment.
Those early years brought both grief and joy
Into the life of that Alabama boy.
Many years later after deciding to stay,
And from the military not to stray,
He joyfully watched son number one
Enter the race which dad had run.
His job choice was obviously different from dad’s,
As he began pursuing that which would make him glad.
To see him go in the direction which was right
Brought to dad much delight.
Now several years beyond this time
He is still enjoying service that is positively defined.
Nearly half way now to completing his career
He perseveres dutifully, year after year.
Many places in the world he has now gone
While family awaits his return to home.
Now while I recount all of this joy,
There is another story involving another boy.
Son number two has now followed the tradition
As in the Air Force he has accepted a position.
Initial training only recently finished
Anticipation is now newly replenished.
Very recently returning to family and home
Entering into a way not previously known.
Anxiously awaiting the birth of a son,
About to begin a routine never done.
“Where were the girls in all of this?”
Is a question that many will not dismiss.
“Where into this picture do they fit in?”
“How, without them, did this all begin?”
The answers are very easily seen,
As they are obviously part of the team.
While waiting at home often in despair,
They have repeatedly proven the extent of their care.
Always supportive though often not knowing
Their appreciation never were they not showing.
Whether wife or daughter, sister, or mother
They never let despair their devotion smother.
A “great way of life” is how it is described
This is a philosophy to which I have ascribed.
All of the aforementioned would surely agree
That this motto is that which we will share for free.
When Dad decided that is the way he would go.
This decision was not at that time by him made,
In fact, many years later into this reality he would wade.
Many new experiences gave him much enjoyment,
As he eagerly transitioned into this new employment.
Those early years brought both grief and joy
Into the life of that Alabama boy.
Many years later after deciding to stay,
And from the military not to stray,
He joyfully watched son number one
Enter the race which dad had run.
His job choice was obviously different from dad’s,
As he began pursuing that which would make him glad.
To see him go in the direction which was right
Brought to dad much delight.
Now several years beyond this time
He is still enjoying service that is positively defined.
Nearly half way now to completing his career
He perseveres dutifully, year after year.
Many places in the world he has now gone
While family awaits his return to home.
Now while I recount all of this joy,
There is another story involving another boy.
Son number two has now followed the tradition
As in the Air Force he has accepted a position.
Initial training only recently finished
Anticipation is now newly replenished.
Very recently returning to family and home
Entering into a way not previously known.
Anxiously awaiting the birth of a son,
About to begin a routine never done.
“Where were the girls in all of this?”
Is a question that many will not dismiss.
“Where into this picture do they fit in?”
“How, without them, did this all begin?”
The answers are very easily seen,
As they are obviously part of the team.
While waiting at home often in despair,
They have repeatedly proven the extent of their care.
Always supportive though often not knowing
Their appreciation never were they not showing.
Whether wife or daughter, sister, or mother
They never let despair their devotion smother.
A “great way of life” is how it is described
This is a philosophy to which I have ascribed.
All of the aforementioned would surely agree
That this motto is that which we will share for free.
