A Military Spouse’s Thanksgiving Prayer

I’m thankful that maintenance came and fixed the oven door.

I’m thankful that there’s no carpet lining our dining room floor.

I’m thankful that our table fits this house’s weird layout

And that the china survived another move despite my fears and doubts.

I’m thankful for the combat boots that are never put in place.

I’m thankful for the PT alarm and his grumpy morning face.

I’m thankful his car is parked outside because the garage is full of gear

And that around the table there are no empty chairs this year.

And if he’s gone, I’m thankful that the Skype call made it through

And that on our window hanging proud is not a gold star, but blue.

I’m thankful that the boxes packed with love made it in time,

And when ol’ Murphy comes around I’m thankful that there’s wine.

I’m thankful for the family we travel miles to see,

But I must admit I’m more grateful when they come to visit me.

And when we have no travel plans, no visitors to greet,

I’m thankful still for friends the military placed throughout our street.

I’m thankful through the orders and the hurry up and waits.

I’m thankful through the long goodbyes and the constantly changing dates.

I’m thankful for the pieces of my heart left at each base,

And I’m thankful for the future, no matter what I face.

This rambling prayer is not like the ones we usually see,

But to the military spouse it’s a familiar litany.

We give thanks for his service

For the nation, he’d give his life,

But around the service member’s table,

he gives thanks for his wife.