Detours

I am not known much for my fluffy sentimental side. Before both my mom and Hubs stroke out over that, let me clarify: it has been suggested that while God was handing out basic human emotions I was standing in the popcorn line. I have always been more of a "Shoebox" sort than a "Hallmark" type. But lest you think I am completely without feelings, twice lately eldest daughter has almost done me in. I mean in a good way, for a change.

The first time was when we were pulling into WalMart. I mention this to illustrate that is was just an ordinary day in the Redneck Riviera. Anyway, out of the blue she says, "Did you know Dad has 2 dog tags?"

My heart literally skipped a beat and as I tried not to dent my car by hitting a very large lady in very small spandex I managed to park the car before saying cautiously, "Yes, why do you mention it?"

Ashley shrugged and then said "It's a good thing because if he loses his boots, they'll know who they belong to." I immediately banished all the storming the beach at Normandy images that had invaded my mind and resumed breathing. Thank you God for not making me explain DNA typing or the real use of the dog tags today. Innocence preserved for one more day. It's one thing to know your Dad is in Afghanistan for 6 months. It's quite another to know what happens to the second dog tag.

The second time she brought a tear to my eye was yesterday night. On facebook she left this message for her Dad, "For my dad in the desert, I miss him a lot and love him. Please be careful dad this is your daughter."

She has been reading every military or historical book about WWII that she can get her hands on. We have made trips to the base to meet Special Forces Soldiers and toured buildings belonging to different groups. She has a basic understanding although in her eyes "real" wars ended years ago and now our military is sort of a giant search and rescue force. She appreciates what they do and recognizes the need for them to go and leave their families, but on the other hand she doesn't understand the concept of "River City" and why her Dad can't talk to her every day. While we continue to reassure her that we are praying for her Dad and ALL military members overseas, when you live in a military family you just don't have the same feeling about absences as other people do. Even at 12.