The Great Sacrifice - Parenting Soldiers

"I don't understand why you have to leave. It's not fair. No one else's dad leaves all the time but you always do. It's not fair!", the little boy screamed, his tears fell heavily onto the entryway floor.

The young Officer looked down, his oldest boy gripping his leg tight as he continued to sob. As he has grown, he has become keenly aware of how his childhood differs from those of his friends. He is aware of how much his father is missing his life, and worst of all, he is aware of how much he misses his father.

"I just want you to stay... I just need you here with me... It's so hard without you dad!", he whispered, his voice almost a whimper, as he rested his blonde hair on the neatly pressed fatigues his father had on.

Mom held the youngest of the three, a tiny infant, as she sat across the room. She tried to muffler her sobs but she kept gasping for air, putting even more weight on the young soldier.

His dad picked him up gently and brought his head into his chest, his massive hands resting on his hair. His tears had run dry the night before anticipating this moment, knowing he had to be strong for his family. His love for his children was so great and he wanted to show them that through his emotions but he knew it would cause more damage than good. When he composed himself and fought back the rush of tears, he whispered in his son's ear.

"I love you son and I will be back. I need you to be strong for me, you hear me? I am so proud of you and how big you have become and I know you can do this for me. When I am away, I need you to take my spot, do you understand?", he said in a hushed but firm tone.

The little boy raised his head and wiped his tears.

"Of course I will dad"

He kissed him on the cheek.

"I know you will. I love you son, I will see you soon."

He rushed out the door, barely getting out of the house before the tears rushed in. How did he get so lucky to have such strong kids?