"Raise the Flag for Me"

His comforting hazel eyes looked into mine as he said, "Do me a favor...While I'm gone, raise the flag, and keep it flying..."

I nodded, smiled as best I could, and knew those words would remain with me, as would their exceptional meaning. My husband, the dearest friend I have, my most loyal supporter, and my cherished partner in life, is going back to Iraq after spending 20 months in what he called "the sand box." He isn't going for cause or country, although he supports both. He is going back for love; the eternal life force which drives him forward despite any uncertainty and fear he may feel, and believe me, despite his willingness to go, he knows danger is not far behind, but that is the courageous mark of any individual who is willing to face peril on behalf of another. Because of that, and the person he is, I will honor him.

I will think of him as I clutch my pillow at night knowing that as I look into the dark sky, he is walking in sunlight. When my hand is cold, I'll imagine his warmth as his strong weathered hand once enclosed mine.

When I feel the well of tears threaten to reveal vulnerable emotion, I'll remember the times he came up behind me, pressed his head to mine and soothed my sorrow; tenderness exposing strength.

I have remained in love with this man; his quiet strength, the confident humility, and the hands that show the flame of the heart.

He's just one man, but a hero to his family; the rock which grounds the rest of us. When he's gone, his missing presence is palpable and the harmony we have together is deferred by great distance.

We know that our lives continue in comfort while his personal consolation is in knowing that he's providing for his family.

When he sleeps he knows that mortars will rain down from the sky, not so much a question of if, but when, and where.

We ask so much of him but he only asked one thing, "Raise the flag for me."

And we will...

Her colors of red, white and blue will be cared for, kept as vibrant as can be, and her value will be a daily reminder. She will fly through the night with a spotlight aimed from below and she will brave wind, rain and snow.

Her security and that of ours do not come free; the price precious and irreplaceable, the sacrifices innumerable, and love the driving force behind it all.