Husband wrote a short, 300-word essay last night. He is not really a writer. Well, I wouldn’t say that because he can be eloquent when he wants to. However, he’s just NOT one of those overly verbose guys that run to their blog at every opportunity available.
The essay was supposed to be about a unique experience that sets him apart from other students. This is part of the application process for college. (College is his latest endeavor.) I didn’t help him brainstorm or even suggest any ideas on what he should write about. I knew that this essay had to be in his voice, from his angle. Sure, I helped with grammar and punctuation and critiqued him on how his essay reads but I didn’t give him any input on the actual content.
He chose to write about his five-month tour of duty in Iraq and how it made him different. I can’t describe what my reaction to the essay was because I’m not sure if I was happy or sad. However, it was clear that I was emotionally moved by what he wrote.
In less than 300 words, he was able to take me from rural Alabama, where he thought he grew up, to the deserts of Iraq, where he REALLY grew up. He spoke about when we were married and being shipped off a month later and how hard it was to leave. I admire the pride he has in having been able to bring all of the soldiers that served under him back to American soil and home to their families.
I look at him in such a different light. His essay has added more depth to his character and I pay tribute to the man he is becoming. For meeting every challenge and exceeding everyone’s expectation of him. Essentially, I used 320 words to say what could have been done in three: I Love Him!!!
In recent days, what has emotionally moved you?
