I can’t help it. I get misty-eyed every year on Veteran’s Day. I see men lined up in uniform on a stage at the local elementary school. I see them saluting the large flag that stands proudly over our lakefront park. And I cry. Because as a Veteran’s wife, I know the sacrifices each uniform represents.
I know the “goodbyes” and the “I miss you’s” and the “Congratulations! It’s a girl’s!” I’ve seen the lawn I had to mow and the bills I had to pay and the kids I had to be both Mom and Dad to several months of the year. I saw the moving boxes and the dirty boots and the empty bed beside me. Why? Because I’m a Veteran’s wife.
This Veteran’s Day, as we celebrate the brave men and women throughout the history of our great nation who have served and protected this land we love, I celebrate YOU. Thank you for serving. Thank you for being a Veteran’s Wife. You are seen. You are appreciated. You are loved.
A Veteran’s Wife
by Heather Tabers
A uniform I do not wear
A gun I do not carry
But I serve my country proudly
Through the man I chose to marry
I may not wear a dog tag
But I have a mission just the same
My husband defends my freedom
And I’ll defend his name
A purple heart I’ll never wear
No ribbons adorn my chest
But this ring upon my finger
Shows that I am truly blessed
My husband is a warrior
Both in battle and at home
He loves and guards us fiercely
No greater love I’ve ever known
When the shadows of his darkest days
Come back to haunt his mind
His wife will faithfully stand beside
And love he’ll always find
A Veterans wife I’m proud to be
No greater honor could I know
Than to proudly love and honor
My husband, my hero
