Exactly what I needed.

The closer you get to the end of a deployment, the harder it becomes.  Last night was our spouses ball, and it was exactly what I needed.  We had a very special guest speaker who does a lot of work with military spouses. Her message was about us wives being the backbone to our men, that without us standing behind them, they wouldn't have the ability to be the heroes they really are. She called us the Silent Heroes. Many of my friends know how very true this is. Last night was exactly what I needed. She shared this poem with us, which she wrote, and I really wanted to share it with everyone.

The Silent Hero

She wakes very early, he’s leaving today.

She will stand tall and proud as he is walking away.

He glances back warmly at his children and wife,

Knowing they will bravely carry on their life.

Her strength and her courage only one understands.

He is walking away with her heart in his hands.

For he knows that without it he would be lost,

But they both know freedom comes at a cost.

She walks away holding her children so close,

Swallowing tears for the one she loves most.

This quiet hero does not walk into war,

She soldiers on behind her closed front door.

She will move through her life the wind at her back.

Her tears will fall in silence while she lies in her bed.

Her fear is right there but nothing is said.

She will ask that no medals be pinned to her chest.

Her husband’s safe return will be her only request.

Few understand her commitment and her life.

She is the quiet hero.

The brave military wife.

Thanks to all my friends who made last night special for me!

The ladies did such a wonderful job putting the ball on for us!  It was the best decorating I've seen at a ball yet.

The perfect deployed wife photo of SELF!

The 3 star boogeying with us wives.

Bree and Rochelle reminding these wives the MPs are the best!

Bree, Rochelle and Shelli line dancing.

Stephanie, Misty, Terri and Angie taking the last shot of the night.

Shelli and I on the dance floor.

In true MP fashion, we shut down the bar and were the last to leave.  Our hubbies would be very proud!  (And no, I did not drink and drive.  I was very responsible...  As always, I'm the permanent DD!)