Families Of The Travelling Soldiers

Remembrance Day is approaching and that usually gets me thinking about the Veterans around the world to which I pull out my poppy and pin it on my jacket.  One thought that did pop into my mind this year was the families of the Veterans.  The families of the fallen.  Those who were at home while their loved ones were overseas fighting for our country.  Do you ever think about them?  Do you ever wonder how hard it was on them? Or what they went through?  The families of the travelling soldiers holding down the fort at home.  

There is a song I love by the Dixie Chicks (I guess they are called the Chicks now, but that’s a whole other blog topic I won’t discuss at this point) – called Travelling Soldier.  I love this song.  Not only does it portray what this 18-year-old soldier is thinking and feeling, but also the thoughts of the sweet girl who he met and left behind.  

In today’s time – Soldiers have an easier time keeping in touch with loved ones with smart phones, social media, and facetime, but back then, those dear family members, loved ones, and girlfriends had to rely on actual letters.  

Can you imagine?  

Your loved one is overseas – thousands of miles away in horrible conditions and you are back home patiently waiting for a letter.  And, when that letter arrives, you are praying it is not an informative letter – ‘We regret to inform you of the passing….” There was no instant knowing of deaths back then.  No instant knowing if your loved one was ok.  You had to wait.  

Side Note:  To read more about Wait – Click HERE for a past blog.

I couldn’t imagine the heartache and the pain those at home went through with each passing day.  On one hand – they had to live their lives – go about their daily routines, look after the home, their children – and just simply live.  But!  I can only imagine how lonely they were when nightfall came.  In the quiet, when they can only hear their own prayers.  Praying for their loved ones to safely return home. 

After really listening to the words of Travelling Soldier, I now have a completely different appreciation for the families of Veterans.  These families are the foundation and the rock of those who went off to war.  They kept their families lives stable and intact for the hopeful return of their travelling soldier.  They kept their homes running efficiently and their children worry-free.  They set aside their own fears and worries to provide and maintain a welcoming home for their travelling soldier’s return.  

So, this Remembrance Day, when we all stop with the world at 11:00 am to bow our heads – pray and give thanks for your grandma, your great aunt, your own mother, or those dear elderly women you encounter at the Cenotaph or your neighbourhood store – they are also heroes and deserve recognition for their strength and honour. 

Thank you to all of our Veterans and thank you to all of you who kept your homes, families and loved ones ready for their return.  Just like the quote above states… The worst part may have been the waiting, but the best part was having someone worth waiting for.  You are all heroes and we are so grateful.