by J. Speer
SSgt Miller took the overnight flight home.
It was a grueling flight much like the desert sands and blazing heat of the Middle East.
It had been a long year since he’d seen his children, now 14 and 8 years old.
The gym was a packed house.
He stood in the hallway in uniform near the school trophy cases.
Filled with deep emotion inside, he appeared calm and collected on the surface.
The school announced a special guest of honor over the intercom.
His daughter was on the Varsity team playing basketball.
She was a guard on the court.
The team was 7 and 2 this season.
It was something that together they discussed frequently over the long-distance phone calls at night.
He had taught her how to play ball.
Years ago in the driveway of their family home, they shot hoops together and played horse.
Countless hours.
He told her how to hold the ball just right for free throw shots and how to release it into the air.
When the school principal motioned him to enter the gym, his heart skipped a beat…
As did hers when she saw her father across the court.
She ran to him.
He held his arms out open wide.
His hat was in his left hand.
Her little brother and the soldier’s wife were already moving towards them from the stands.
Tears welled up in the faces of many nearby in the crowd as father and daughter embraced.
He kissed her forehead and smoothed her hair.
He held her tight.
She looked up at him smiling.
“I love you, Dad,” she said softly and shyly so only he could hear.
“I missed you.”
“I’m home,” he said with heartfelt gladness.
His son hugged them both.
The boy was grinning happily as he pressed his head against his father’s side.
His wife stood close by allowing her children this moment with their father.
She was crying tears of joy as well.
The crowd smiled and clapped loudly.
Home.
He was finally home.
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Author: J. Speer
I like to write. I have 5 books currently on Amazon, mostly fiction. I try to write positive and uplifting children's stories, expressive poetry for women, and interesting articles about personal growth, alternative medicine, and spirituality. My stories are often about diverse people but with human connection in mind through inner perspective. I love my characters especially the ones from my first book, Searching for Fire.
I moved recently to Vermont. I live in the North Country region near Lake Willoughby, one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. My heart will always be with Kansas but I love travel and meeting new people with diverse perspectives on life. I have found Vermonters to have many admirable qualities like stoicism and a love and stewardship of nature.
My hobbies are writing, gardening, outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking. I am an amateur herbalist. Many years ago, an alternative medicine doctor cured me of a respiratory illness by teaching me about vitamins and for that, I owe her a debt of gratitude.
I recently bought a Jeep Wrangler that fits my personality and love for adventure. Associated with the military in my younger years, I have lived in Israel, Germany, and Virginia as well - all of which I loved in different ways. I thoroughly believe in the military spouse phrase, "bloom where you are planted" and endeavor to carry a positive optimism wherever I roam. Most days are good but admittedly I get down sometimes. I am prone to sadness or severe cynicism at times, so I turn to music as my consolation and source of expression or inspiration. My favorite songs currently are "How Deep is Your Love" by the Beegees, "La Vie en Rose", "A Million Dreams" or maybe Karen Carpenter singing "Close to You" or Elton John singing "Your Song." I also like "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us" by Starship or "I'll Stand by You" by The Pretenders. "Faithfully" by Journey always reminds me of rollerskating with friends in the 1980s.
My favorite quotes are from the Velveteen Rabbit, Steve Jobs, and this one..."To the caterpillar it was the end of the world, but to the butterfly it was merely a beautiful beginning." Or there is the quote from Peter Pan teaching Wendy..."What if I fall? But, oh my darling, what if you fly?"
I also believe in being a pearl - graceful on the outside but full of grit and gratitude on the inside. My favorite women of the Bible are Ruth, Hannah, and Hagar.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Cheers, friend.
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