Wednesday, May 12, 2010

I take off my wings.

Yes, I take off my wings. I don't need to wear them today as a talisman of pride, daily remembrance and with the superstitious belief that if I wear them he will be kept out of harms way.  For a while now, he is back in the arms of his lovely wife and beautiful children.  He is home.  

The "Jump Wings" awarded to my son at his Airborne graduation eight years ago. 
Tradition among those who obtain them is that you never wear the first pair awarded to you. (Bad ju ju)  You give them to someone you love or admire.  My son gave me his wings and with tears of pride in my eyes, I made a promise that I would wear them whenever he was "down range" as they say.  I would wear them from the day he dropped boots on unfriendly ground and each day after that until he was out of harm's way; remove them only when he had returned home. I have worn these over my heart for three tours now.   The sterling wings have taken on a highly polished silver patina from me touching them each day as a reminder of my son's service and sending him all of the family voodoo I know in my bag of tricks to keep him safe. 

How does Ker do it?  I have such pride in his lovely wife for having the strength to run the family in his absence in a foreign country. She is a phenomenal woman with a fierce love of her family and offers a strength she often does not believe she possess'. 

So today, mommy and DADDY will be picking up Kit Kat from Italian day school. She doesn't know that daddy has arrived early this morning.  Daddy will surprise her at school.  I adore this lovely, little Italian Catholic school that Kit Kat attends.  It is full of caring and loving teachers and hugs and words of encouragement are offered by the nuns.  Happy and enthusiastic children that Kit Kat plays and learns her lessons with (all in Italian) and their parents who all seem to know her.  It will be a huge reunion for everyone with lots of tears and hugs.    How I wish I was there to watch this magical sea of humanity as a father reunites with his daughter.

My four cheese ravioli.

and the twins...the spinach pesto rav and the sweet sausage rav.


We have so much to be thankful for.  Which brings me to thanking all of you who have added my son and his family to your thoughts and prayers and for all of the good wishes and energy you sent to them.  I thank all of you.  Sea Witch

12 comments:

just call me jo said...

What cute little "Italian dishes" you have! I'm so glad your son is safe and coming home to his adorable family. I didn't know about him because I haven't read your blog too long, but I'm so happy for you all.

Marguerite (Tina) Smith Hart said...

This is a wonderful day! I thank the Lord your family is whole again!

Ana said...

So happy to hear that your son is back with his family and that all are doing well. You sure do have some cute raviolis there...How very sweet. Sending you tons of hugs and kisses-♥Ana

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Honey you have made my day or week by posting this. I can not tell you how happy I am that your son is coming home.
This post is just too beautiful and of course your granddaughter is too. Blessings to all of you and our prayers were answered.
Love
Maggie

Doris Sturm said...

I'm so happy for you and the kids to see her daddy...they are adorable children. I always pray for our soldiers because they are so brave to put themselves in harm's way every day.

God bless you and your family!

life in red shoes said...

I thank God every time another soldier returns safely to their family.
Bless his, and HER heart, for the service they provide.

Tristan Robin said...

so glad to hear that another one has made it home safely to his family!

BusyLizzie said...

You have a lovely family, thank you for the comment re my hats.... they will be for sale soon.. promise!!! (I will not hoard!!!) x

Theresa said...

Congratulations on the return of you Son safely! Love the wings and the fact that he gave them to you:) Thanks for visiting me and for the encouraging words and prayers for my Nephew, Justin! Have a blessed day and enjoy it to the fullest!

HUGS!

FILIGREE MOON said...

Such precious, precious babes! Prayers sent to all who serve our country and their strong families. ~ Angela

Willow said...

I'm so happy that your son is back safely! Such cute little pasta dishes you have too!

betsy said...

How wonderful for you and your family! This makes me smile :)