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Half a World Away
by LaNaye Perkins The little boy rested his head on the man's knee. Looking up he asked "Daddy, how did you and momma meet?" A strange smile crossed the man's face before he replied, "Well son it was awhile back, and half a world away. I'd been deployed with my Army unit and sent over to run convoys up into Iraq.." As he began to tell the story his little boy could see the events clearly in his mind. It was if he were watching a film as his dad painted the picture with his words. Drifting off into the world of his imagination, he listened as his dad told of what happened so long ago. ~~~~ The soldier stood 6'2" with sandy brown hair and eyes. He was handsome, even with the convoy dust that still clung to him. He had a confident stance that made you think he was in complete control. Only he really knew of the fear and loneliness he felt, and how much he missed his family back in the states. Or, how often he prayed asking God to protect him and his buddies until they all got home. They had just finished a convoy, one that had them all thanking God for surviving. He was only in his mid-twenties but looked older. Life over here had a way of aging everyone, that is if you were lucky enough to make it out. He was a gunner for his unit, and did his job very well. She was a beauty with her dark hair and eyes. Not at all the picture of who you'd expect to be wearing a Air Force uniform and sitting in the gun turret of a truck. Yet, even though she was a tiny thing, she was a skilled soldier who gladly served her country. She had been through a lot since she'd arrived here, and prayed often to ask God to keep her and her fellow soldiers safe from harm. Both were from the same country, both were half a world away from home. Like all the soldiers who ran convoys, they had both witnessed much more than either cared to remember. Then one night, as only God can time it, they both decided to go to the recreation hall to play some pool. Little did they know how it would change their lives forever. As soon as the soldier walked in the door, he spotted her. She took his breath away, and he was determined to meet her. In spite of his resolve to remain calm, he felt his heart racing as he approached her. He just couldn't help himself. Her eyes were drawn to the door when he walked in. Her heart raced when she realized he was looking at her. Nervously, she watched him approach. She had decided months ago that she would not allow herself to get involved with any of the soldiers here. Yet, she felt this soldier was different than the others. It seemed that an eternity passed before He finally introduced himself. Then, time flew once they started to talk. They saw each every chance they could after that fateful night. Both laughed at how God had sent them half a world away, just so they could meet. Neither of them were looking to fall in love but that is exactly what they did. It didn't take long to figure out they had found their soul mate. Sadly, the day came that they had to part. Her unit was being sent home. He still had a few months to go before his unit would leave. With all the uncertainties of war, saying goodbye was the hardest thing either of them had ever done. They stayed in daily contact after she left. When the young soldier got his leave he went to see her. He drove all night to show up at her apartment with a proposal and a set of wedding bands. They were married shortly after he returned home and started their life together. ~~~ The boy listened as his dad finished his story. "You see son, they understand how precious life is at a level most will never understand. All because of something God started half a world away." he paused for a moment then continued, "Now, we are living happily ever after." The boy's mom came into the room and wrapped her arms around her husband. Smiling down at her son she spoke softly and said "Yes, we are." ********************* From the beginning the Lord let me know I was to share whatever He inspired me to write. Now, over a decade later, I'm still sharing what He's given. -LaNaye Perkins Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |