"hi Honey! I'M Home!"

"Hi honey! I'm home!" A greeting that will be heard in many homes tonight! Hubby will be kissed by his lovely wife and he'll hug her, oh, so tight! The kids clamber for a hug and kiss as he asks, "How was school today?" Even Slug the pup barks and Simba the cat purrs, each to have his say! His wife fixed his favorite meal of meat loaf, peas and mashed potatoes, Raspberry tea, cherry pie ala mode and, oh, yes, there were fresh tomatoes! Father said the grace thanking Him for their food and His Creation, And asked for protection for military folks who defend this great nation! After dinner they relaxed on the deck with a drink to watch the setting sun. The kids chased lightning bugs on the lawn at dusk having loads of fun! Later, the cat and dog cuddled on the hearth and the kids were tucked in bed. Daddy read a few fairy tales - then the children's prayers were said. Alas, across the world in foreign lands other Daddies won't be home tonight. The only thing that they will hug is their M-16 and carry on the fight. They'll wolf down a tasteless MRE and be greeted by the Sergeant's shout: "Get ready for another midnight patrol - now everybody out!" He's not concerned about promotions and medals for laurels won. He just pines for his family's fond embrace when his tour is done. Oh, glorious, heavenly day when he's back home never more to roam! Oh, glorious day when he bounds thro' the door saying, "Hi honey! I'm home!" Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)