And he was a real soldier

And he was a Real Soldier
When he left home all he could think of was family. His main concern was returning safely but his second concern was bringing back everyone safe. As he thought of the perilous journey ahead he could see the smiling faces of family and friends. He would dwell on those pictures for the better part of the next year. His eyes glowed in front of his soldiers but at night in the dark they were sad as if to say why do I do this. As the sun peaked in the morning hours his face would return to its hardened stare. As he grew with this new group he came to realize some sense of happiness, but never forgetting where it was he called home. Home started to seem so far away as his new surroundings became his home. During his training several passes were given so he could return home, but he felt like a stranger in his own home. He tried to be involved for his family’s sake but he did not want to be there until he could stay there. The days at home flew by and the upcoming departure would be harder than the first. As he pulled out of the driveway and began the long drive the tears filled his eyes. Goodbye gets harder and harder. During the trip back, the attitude of a soldier returned. The mission, the distance and the time would not allow him to become what he was before he left. It was as if home had faded to gray in his colorful life. When they told him his holiday plans would be shorter than planned his response was that of a soldier. He tried to reassure his troops that they would still go home. As he sat late at night and pondered the coming mission he could not help but wonder if this would be his time. He sometimes questioned his own existence and that of a greater being. He knows that the mission must be accomplished but cannot help to have some fear. He will put his life on the line for what matters even if some people cannot understand. He will sleep when it is possible, train when it seems impossible and laugh at things that just seem ridiculous. Would he could he, the question will always be there but one thing is for certain he IS a REAL SOLDIER.