At this very moment

At this very moment, one year ago, I was counting my blessings.
My husband was asleep in a nearby chair instead of deployed.
(He was in Iraq when our first child was born.)

At this very moment, one year ago, I felt a curious sense of closure and finality.
My husband had already been home for 3 months – but for me – the deployment was finally over.

We were all safe.
Our family was whole.
The sun was beginning to shine.

Today, at this very moment, I want to celebrate with candles, balloons, and birthday cake.
Instead, my children and I will keep marking the calendar until our Soldier comes home.

Today, at this very moment, my beautiful children are singing “Happy Birthday Maggie!” over Cheerios.
I think I’m going to go grab my camera.

How do you handle holidays when one family member is away?

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