This is where it all begins…
Journal Entry One
Dear Daniel,
I just sent you off to war. Well, I guess I didn’t do it. But it feels like it. I have finally stopped
crying long enough to start this journal. I hear journaling is supposed to make me feel better. I can’t
imagine anything making me feel better—except you coming home. But, here it goes.
I want to tell you how proud I am of you! I know that you have wanted to follow in your father’s
footsteps all of your life, but to actually join the military and go to some strange and to fight in a war,
well that is an amazing thing Daniel. I wish you didn’t want to go; but I get it. And I am proud—
scared—but proud. I support your decision and I will stand by you no matter what. I mean that with
all my heart. I don’t know how I will make it without my best friend.
It is ironic that all the things I love about you most are the very things that made you want to go
fight for your country. You are kind and wise, brave and courageous. You are also trustworthy and
loyal. I can tell you everything and anything. Who do I share my secrets and day-to-day stuff with
now? Everyone else seems to blame me for the crap that happens in my life; you never do. You just
love me. You have always stayed by me…until now. Well, that’s not fair. Sorry. I know you didn’t
really leave me. I am just being a baby. (I guess I can be a baby right now, it is my journal!).
I will try to remember that you will always love me. I hope you can remember that I always love
you too. You always seem to see the good in people. You fought for me when I couldn’t fight for
myself. Now you are fighting for a country that I am not sure understands what a sacrifice you are
making for them. No matter. You are my hero, Daniel. You have always been my hero and you
always will be. Now you are the hero for others too. I will always be grateful that God gave you to
me.
Well, enough for now. Tears are coming again. But I am going to be praying for you—
constantly.