The soldier approached his young son,

 kneeling carefully before him.

The child’s heavy heart reflected in the expression of his face,

so grim.

“Son,” said the soldier, “ I have no choice.

I have been called to go.

Be a good boy, your mama is going to need you

now more than ever you know.

You are going to be the man of the house,

so you must be strong.

My boy, you will do just fine.

Trust in the Good Lord to lead you along.

Remember all I have taught you,

and I want you to do well in school.

Do not be difficult for your mom,

 or try anything stupid just to be cool.

Do not take that which is not yours,

and always be truthful is that clear?

I will not have my boy become a lesser person

just because I am not here.

Say your prayers daily,

and keep a close walk with God.

Your heart will keep you with me,

 no matter how far away the lands I trod.

The soldier’s voice broke,

“Son, please do not be angry with me.

This is a hard price,

but sometimes a man has to pay to keep his family free.

I know this is going to be rough on you especially at first,

but son please try.”

The soldier heaved a heavy breath,

“Boy, my boy, how I hate to see you cry.

Well, your mama is calling,

and I need to be going now too.

Just one more thing son,

 your daddy loves you.”

The little boy dried his eyes

and went in the direction of his mother’s call.

The soldier stood and looked to his companion,

“Well, I guess that’s all.”

The soldier’s son tucked his little hand into the hand

of the soldier’s widow.

Then the soldier grabbed onto the hand of the angel

as they turned to go.

From the Whispered Reflections collection
Copyright 2005
www.windowsofgraceonline.com

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