Away: A Deployment Poem

The oldest one got taller
While you’ve been away
She learned to count and say her prayers
She learned that life’s not always fair
That ugly things turn to butterflies
That even mommy sometimes cries
Learned friends are made by being kind
And daddy’s sometimes hard to find
I try to hold on to each day
Because the oldest one got taller
While you’ve been away

The middle one got bolder
While you’ve been away
She learned to share and to say please
She learned that sidewalks skin her knees
That swimming can be kind of fun
To let go of my hand and run
Learned she gets nowhere being mean
Thinks that daddy’s in a screen
I’d freeze time if I had my way
Because the middle one got bolder
While you’ve been away

The little one got older
While you’ve been away
He knows his mom and sisters too
I wish you got to see him new
He has your ears and goofy grin
His giggles let the sunshine in
He hasn’t even met his dad
But doesn’t know how to be sad
“Man of the house” we laugh and say
The little one got older
While you’ve been away

I get a little stronger
Each time you go away
I learn to live not just survive
Make time to grow and time to thrive
Learn how to miss you but still be fine
And keep these crazy kids in line
I learn to be me without you
And know that you are growing too
Each time you go I’ll always stay
Because I get a little stronger
Each time you go away