I was one of the waiters, and watchers out to sea. San Diego, Hawaii, Kamakura, Carlisle Barracks, Pentagon, Palos Verdes, San Diego, Norfolk, Pentagon, and then Dad retired to his second career. How glad were the days when the ship hove fuzzily, grayly into view, and we were all dressed up and waiting, all those times. My mother's face, I still see her, anxious, and joyful at the pier.
I cannot see a uniform without remembering, feeling the pride, and honoring the American wearing it for their selfless deeds. I know how their families feel, how it is for the one parent to raise the children while waiting for the homecoming. I can only guess, from what I have heard and seen, what the person deployed goes through. It can't be for the money!
God bless you, I am proud of you, and deeply grateful. Doing what you do every day lets me do what I do every day. The APO-addressed letters and parcels that pass through my hands get a mental prayer attached to each, silent postage gladly paid!
Kathy~the mailma'am.