Circle of Life - and Love.



We are getting ready for Stephen.  He'll be home soon - a blessing we never expected when he left for the sand in October.  Even though it's only been 5 months -the time has probably gone much more quickly for us than for him-I know it's been much harder on the kids with all the ups and downs. There have been changes made by the Army, promotions which are good, but have altered the course of things for Laurie and Stephen both. 
But the circle of life continues.   Kasey still goes to school every day, and Ron and I keep our routine fairly simple so that we can keep Kasey's life on an even keel too.  There's the occasional "want to go have breakfast before we go run our errands?" in the mornings after Ron takes Kasey to school.  I never turn that down. :)  And of course, the new "adventure" of shopping at the commissary because we are eligible as Kasey's guardians.  We went there last week, not heeding Laurie's advice of never shopping there on the 1st or the 15th or on Saturday.  Uh huh - she knows what she's talking about.  But life is good - complicated sometimes, but good. 
Last night was Kasey's birthday party - 13 boys and girls aged 5 and 6.  Quite an experience to plan and carry out, but one which we wouldn't have missed for anything.  Tomorrow some dear friends of Laurie and Stephen (therefore OUR dear friends as well) , and their girls, too,  are coming over for swiss steak dinner and all the fixings.  I am fighting off a cold - or something.  Shopping in the PX this morning for a couple of last minute Kasey presents was a bit difficult as the feverish and stuffy feeling started working it's gradual "magic" on my system.  I am headed for the couch in just a few minutes but first, this post.
So back to the title of my post.  I've spoken in part of the circle of life.  But the circle of love isn't so easy.  It brings tears to my eyes and wonder to my heart when I think of it. 
As I was dusting Stephen's chest of drawers the other day in preparation for his return, a small and wonderful symbol of Laurie's and Stephen's love caught my eye.  When Stephen left in October, he left his wedding band here - he often loses weight when he is over "there" so he generally leaves his wedding band here with Laurie.  She keeps it for him - wears it on a gold chain quite often.  But when she came home for President's Day weekend, she  placed it on his dresser so that it would be waiting for him when he gets home. She knew then that he would be home soon.
I gently picked it up so I could dust the dresser, and placed it lovingly back in the spot where I found it.
Life,  love, and marriage.. Faithfulness, and a steadfast love between two people all represented in a simple gold band.  The Army may keep them apart, but their love keeps them together across the miles. 
Each day I pray for them - that they are strong in their separations and safe as they wait for their reunions.  And sometimes, His answers are so clear - as clear and present as the gold band of a husband/soldier/dad waiting to come home.