The Army

Yesterday wasn't the best day. One of my best friends has decided to join the Army. I am very proud of him for choosing a path in life and jumping straight in, but its still the Army and with our country at war, its terrifying. My mind has already thought of most of the "what ifs" and I am going to miss him like crazy when he goes off for training and especially when he gets sent to Iraq. We haven't always been best buds, but here lately we have gotten closer. I remember when I first started going to Parkway Church of Christ I had the biggest crush on him and at that time he was just this skinny little kid, but there was just something about him. On one of my first church trips I spilled my guts to him about everything in my life. Justin knows every little secret and juicy detail. I've always felt 100% comfortable sharing with him. Then I was in college and busy with life and we grew apart. This summer, while I was dating his cousin, we worked in a firework tent together and we had a blast. I had forgotten how much fun he could be. Since then we have started hanging out again and I have been having so much fun. The best thing about our friendship is he ALWAYS knows what I need. If I need a good joke, a hug, a smile; Justin is always the first to know. With one look, somehow he knows if I'm okay or not. I don't know how he does it, but I love that about him. I do know what I will do while he is away. :(
With the news of Justin joining the Army it reminded me of a poem I wrote when my friend Joey was leaving for Iraq. I want to share that with you now:

A Soldier's Call

Our time on earth is precious every moment of every day

whether we create, save, or take each life is special in its own way

Now some of us were born to live a life of bravery

to protect and save each and every day

When terror strikes and tears us down

when trouble is lurking all around

It is they who stand proud and tall

for they have answered a soldier's call

Through combat, misery and woe

a soldier stand alert, ready to go

To protect, to fight

to stand up for what is right

A soldier may be scared, feel alone or afraid

but they never let it show, for true heroes they have been made

Their courage and bravery shine through

when they are protecting both me and you

You could be a stranger, someone they've never thought of at all

but it doesn't matter to them, because they have answered a soldier's call

Protecting, serving, making us proud,

sending our prayers straight up through the clouds

We love them and miss them when they are away

and we wait impatiently for welcoming home day

May their bravery never go unnoticed by Americans, the world and all;

for it is they who had the courage to answer a soldier's call.

Originally I had dedicated this poem to Joey, the 913th troops and all of our other troops, but today I want to add Thomas Fulcher to that list and Justin Hazlewood. May God protect them all!