They Will Say They Knew You When

For L ...

I wish I could make the hurt go away, buddy. I know how lonely you feel. Thank you for sharing that with me. Thank you for feeling that you can come to me and talk with me about it. Thank you for letting me into your mind and your heart and your beautifully and wonderfully made self.

I'm sorry that it's so hard right now. I'm sorry that it's hard for some people to understand. I'm sorry that when you are truly you, some kids say you're weird, or say they will play with "anyone but you." Kids aren't always kind. And as much as I hate, I really, really hate, how hard you are learning this lesson, I know you are going to come across "mean kids" for the rest of your life.

I would do anything to take away your sadness, buddy. Anything. I hate that I don't know the right way to get through this. I hate that the school I chose for you may not be the best fit. I hate that I might have to move you out of it and put you in a new school again. I hate that I don't know which is the right call.

I'm going to figure it out.

I'm going to find the right answer and the right words and the right next step. I don't know how this all works either. I'm learning every step, adjusting for each new challenge.

I'm sorry I don't always get it right.

I want you to know that I'm here. I will never think you are weird or want to hang out with "anyone but you". I think the way you think is beautiful. That the man you will one day become will be unstoppable and talented and dedicated and driven. You will be the master of your craft and you will find people who are masters of theirs.

Keep talking to me, buddy. Keep sharing your heart with me. I'm not going away. I'm not giving up. I know how amazing your ideas are - even though they are often things I cannot understand. I know how much you love them, how much you believe in them, and I absolutely believe in you.

One day it is going to be better. One day you will find your place. I promise, my (bigger) little giant, you will find your place in this world. You will claim your place.

Hang in there, little buddy. Your time will come.

And when you make your BIG imagination become a BIG TIME, kick-ass, change-the-world thing, that kid on the playground that said he would play with "anyone but you" today is going to say he knew you when.

Love you, kiddo. Keep pushing through.

Dear National Guard Spouse (The Homefront United)

Dear National Guard Spouse,

I see you.

I see that you are just like me. That you fight back the same tears, straighten the same shoulders, and force that same last, little smile when you watch him walk away not knowing if that is the last time.

I see you hold those same little hands and hold those same tiny bodies when they cannot understand why “daddy has to leave.” I see that you fight for the same strength, pray the same prayers, hope for the same hopes.

I see that you are fighting as hard as you can to simply survive on those days while an entire country calls for you to thrive ... continue reading here.