A blessing for military parents!
I have always loved reading old Irish blessings, but hearing them recited is even better. I was thinking of the more famous Gaelic blessing today:
What a wonderful way to say hello or good-bye to someone you love. It beats “How the heck are ya?” or “Ta-ta for now!” It is really a poem of empathy when you consider what the person stating the blessing is saying. He is acknowledging the pains and difficulties in life. The road is long, the wind causes you to work harder when it is pounding you from the front, and he ends with the acknowledgment of the need to rely on God’s providence for what we need.
The one bestowing the blessing is praying for mercy and for peace for the receiver! As I was thinking on this I wondered what I would say to my fellow military parents if I was every blessed enough to recite such a piece of work to them. If we were brought together one day, what would I say to them? Then I remembered that there are parents who come here everyday and read this blog, so please accept the following poem, written in the form of the old blessings (although not the ancient!):
Blessing for military parents!
May your soldier stay strong and healthy, and may his hopes always face home and heavenward!
May you stay strong and healthy and your hope facing heavenward!
May you always keep your face toward the sun and feel warmed by its light.
May you always remember the same sun that warms your face warms your soldier’s face too.
May theater become a term used exclusively for entertainment in our futures.
May our grandchildren have peace always because of the war we win today.
May our Soldiers’ sacrifices today be remembered in every tomorrow!
May the sting of battlefield memories grow dimmer for your soldier as the light of home approaches!
May your care packages arrive quickly and your cookies in good shape. May your letters all arrive still smelling of home.
May we all be blessed to welcome home all of America’s sons and daughters, one day.
And,
May your Star shine bright and blue forever more.
But,
If Gold it has already turned, may your fellow “parents in arms” rise to greet you, and may your path in life be crowded and over flowing with those who love you, always.
May God hold you in the palm of His hand!
Claire, I don’t remember how I found your blog, but I love coming here and reading your posts. You serve as inspiration to many, you know. May I print your poem and send it to the parents of my current adopted soldier and marine who are serving in Iraq? God bless you and your family.
Bonnie, thank you very much for your kind and encouraging words. I also get inspiration from other parents, and from people like you who adopt soldiers and show wonderful support to our troops.
You are more than welcome to print what any entry you would like to off of the blog. I am honored that you would wantto send the poem to other military parents.
God bless, and Hooah!