"May your children never have to endure..."

...those were the words my friend and former co-worker, Buzz, wrote in my copy of the book that was written about his military unit in the Vietnam War. The 101st Infantry. When he signed it my children were babies, and he prayed that they would never have to go through such a hell on earth. My children aren't old enough to go away to war, thanks be to God, but unfortunately their father is. I know he and his wife are preparing for him to leave in March and that their lives are about to turn upside down. They have two children together, in addition to my older kids. I really feel for their step mom who is also my friend. I can't imagine the worry that must be filling her heart right now and all I can do is pray for her peace of mind, and pray that my kids' dad - her husband - makes it home safely when his tour is done. The part that truly breaks my heart is what his absence might do to our children. They've survived and thrived through our divorce, through remarriage, through blended families with new brothers and sisters. I just pray they handle their dad's absence okay, that it doesn't worry them too much, that they don't feel so sad while he's gone. It breaks my heart to KNOW that there will be many nights of tears on mine and my husband's shoulders, on their step mom's shoulders, and probably on each other's. I can't imagine being their ages and having to cope with the thought that, "My daddy is going to war."

My God, for their sake, for the sake of their hearts, minds and spirits, please let their dad be safe, please let him come home safely when his job is done. Please watch over my kids and please help me and their step parents guide them through this with patience, understanding and love. Please God, don't let them have to endure too much. Amen.