The Duncan Family: Visiting Jennifer

Vera and I went to Lebanon to met Jen Wade for lunch. Her Mom met up with us too. Jen and I have been friends since the 7th grade! This was her first time seeing Vera and I think she fell in love....

Military Wife

I never wore the uniform, no medals on my chest.
The band, it doesn't play for me, I am not among “the Best.”
I do not march in cadence; I do not rate salute,
I stand among the silent ranks, our devotion absolute.
If you've not worn my shoes, you do not know my story.
I live a life of sacrifice, my reward a private glory.
I've wept many silent nights away,
and I've kept the home fires burning.
I've worried and I've waited, as world events were churning. I've moved more times than you could fathom,
left more people than you've known.
I've planted gardens 'round the world,
very few that I've seen grown.
I've grieved with new-made widows,
and had my share of scares -- when a ship or plane or man was down, and all I had were prayers.
I'm not asking for your sympathy, (although appreciation can be nice) I did it quite on purpose --I chose to sacrifice.
I'll tell you a secret now, one you'd never guess.
About the one glory that is mine,
it's just enough -- no more, no less.
When you and I stand together as our national anthem plays, I'll fill with reminiscences of how I spent those days.
I'll know the pain and joys again,
I'll know that freedom isn't free,
I'll know I've helped to pay the price –
and that the anthem plays for me.

Elizabeth Soutter Schwarzer
Marine Wife

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Visiting Jennifer

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