I met you when your grandpa and I became committed partners. I became your step-grandma, and you were in between your junior and senior years in high school. You were looking at colleges, and I hoped that you would find the right one for your dreams. You tried college for a year but felt more compelled to join the army.
We were so proud of you, and we knew the dangers you’d face once you were deployed somewhere in the world. That danger became a more present concern when your grandpa was diagnosed with a stage-three cancer. We cried the weekend you left for boot camp; you were constantly in our prayers at night. I know it was hard for you when you heard grandpa had passed away.
As you prepared for your first deployment to Afghanistan, Isaiah 6:8 echoed in my mind. “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” You picked up your shield to preserve, protect, and defend our country. I prayed the dove of peace would encircle you and keep you safe in the arms of God.
You came home safely, were wounded twice, and received the Bronze Star with Valor in combat. You left America a boy and returned a man, not just once but twice. I worry that the death and destruction of your approaching third tour of duty will completely change you, but I have put your safety into God’s hands. Should He call you home, I know you will be washed in the flowing waters of His love and grace. He will say, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” You do not serve for yourself; you do your duty for your brothers in arms. You do it for every American, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
I thought of you today as I walked among the stones in the cemetery, amidst flags, active-duty soldiers and sailors, and the local high school band. I stopped to hear the three-gun salute done by the local veterans group and then heard, “Taps,” played by a lone trumpeter from the hillside. I prayed for your safety and that you would make safe decisions for yourself and your men. I saw a young father walking with his son and daughter. I heard him say, “Son, someday, you’ll be called upon to defend us.” The little boy looked up into his father’s eyes, and the torch had been passed as it has been for generations. The little girl pulled on her father’s hand, and said, “I will serve, too, daddy.”
My eyes teared up as I neared grandpa’s grave. I thought to myself that we ask a lot of you, but you serve with your heart. No one can ask any more of our service men and women. Freedom isn’t free. “All will give some; some will give all.” I can hear grandpa say, “You’re doing the right thing to serve, son. I’m so proud of you; I’ll be watching you.”
Looking up into the sunny and blue skies, I see a vision of you in the future holding your baby boy and saying, “Thank you, Lord, for bringing me home safely. Thank you for my son and all that is good in the world. I promise to raise him up as a loving, strong, and brave man. I’ve served my country; now it’s time to take care of my family.”
All my love to you, grandson, and to all who serve in our armed forces. Thank you for your service. May God bless and keep you all!
Anna Hartt
