The Empty Chair

No  tears  can  fall  from  my  eyes.
So,  why  does  my  heart  ache?

Could  it  be,  the  empty  chair?

I  shouldn’t  whine.
Many,  no  longer  have  their  soldiers  with  whom  they  dine.

The  empty  chair,  always  there.

Thanksgiving  is  a  day  to  pause  and  reflect  on  all  we  are  grateful  for.

For  me,  Thanksgiving,  is  every  day.

Every  day  I’m  grateful  for  all  who  have  served  us.
Veterans,  brave  souls.

I’m  grateful  for  all  who  are  serving.

I  want  to  tell  my  son  how  much  I  miss  him.
He  doesn’t  want  me  to  be  sad.

I  want  to  hear  his  laughter.
Life  is  so  hard  over  there.

He  never  complains.
I  do,  about  the  damn  empty  chair.

Although  I  am  grateful  for  much,
I  will  be  most  grateful  for  the  day  the  empty  chair,
is  empty  no  more.

by  Karen  Estrada  (@milhealth)

 

MilitaryConnection.com is proud to be working with MilitaryHealthMatters.org   This is a poignant poem written by Karen Estrada when her son was away during the holidays on his 5^th deployment to Afghanistan.  This poem  provides all of us a glimpse of the sacrifices made by those who serve and their loved ones.  The families of our fallen carry this grief during all holidays with their own “Empty Chair”.  Veterans Day has past but let us remember those who serve our nation and their families 24/7.   Next time you see a soldier, try a random act of kindness.  Perhaps thank them for their service, buy them a cup of coffee or even pick up their check if you are able.   Remember we are able to live the lives we live in the greatest nation in the world because of the sacrifices of less than one percent.