The Duncan Family: happy birthday

Friday, July 18, 2008

happy birthday

Happy 85th Birthday Vera!

4 comments:

Jason and Carrie said...: Wow! What a milestone! Happy Birthday!; Friday, July 18, 2008
Anonymous said...: Happy, Happy Birthday Nana

Luv,
G-Ma Gail in Florida; Friday, July 18, 2008
Jess said...: Happy Birthday!! That is really neat that you could be there to celebrate with her.; Saturday, July 19, 2008
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.; Sunday, July 20, 2008

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