At attention, donning medals in a neat uniform,
Filed in from left to right in the calm before the storm.
Her child looks up and out from the crowd
On a lap that is not her mother's own,
She has an idea that once again, her Mama will be leaving home.

Her eyes are bright and watch the sight she's seen several times before,
It is the usual circumstance that more than one
Sea bag is at the door.

The Child sees what most do not
Her Mama dons the cloth;
The child has no choice of sacrifice,
She knows this decision not.

Years pass and there are thirteen candles
glowing all in a row,
Her mother is there at another "somewhere" and her heart breaks because she misses her so.

Weekly calls and letters are the journal on which they rely
Her Mother, though brave is with a heavy heart
and during quiet Watches she cries.

The child sees what most do not
Her mother dons the cloth;
All she knows is that she is away
And has to deploy a lot.

What the child feels is a Mother's heart
She knows is breaking too;
But both know there is a sacrifice
and accept their freedom in lieu.

More time passes, reports and grades;
New teachers, speeches and cheer.
She grew so fast and the time did pass.
Just look at her right here.

What you may not know
What you may now see
Is the brave heart she's had to bare
while her mother is gone she carries on
The real hero is standing there.

The unseen sees what most do not
She goes about her way
She deserves the ribbons and medals
On this her special day.\/~ Janette Arencibia