The husband returned from the war.
He left a young man full of dreams.
He returned older and wiser,
a survivor of war’s nightmare, it seems.
Working hard to start a new life,
everyday he punches that clock.
Standing on that assembly line,
he wonders if it’s all just a crock.
Gradually the war leaves him,
and he learns to smile again.
His young wife stands by him,
thankful for the return of his grin.
Things are difficult at times,
but they lean on each other.
Then one day, she gives him the news.
He’s to be a father, she, a mother.
He could hardly contain his joy
and finally breaks down in tears.
The happiness they’ve been seeking
would be theirs for the coming years.
After months of morning sickness
and trying to control her weight,
a baby with fire-engine red hair
makes his appearance, two weeks late.
A son, a beautiful, perfect baby
swelled the man’s chest with pride.
Days were filled with diapers and bottles
but the joy of parenthood was hard to hide.
They moved to a bigger house,
one just down the street.
Now the baby had a room of his own.
Life was becoming ever so sweet.
The young father continued at the factory.
The work was boring and hot.
But his family made it all worthwhile.
He was providing for his little tot.
Soon there came a day,
they decided to expand their world.
They wanted another baby,
hopefully this time a little girl.
Days and weeks became months.
It seemed conception was not to be.
They decided they’d been blessed once
and to want more might be greed.
Then one day the wife had a surprise.
Delivered directly from heaven,
there would be another baby
shortly after their son turned seven.
No morning sickness for a change.
Everything was fine.
On Valentine’s Day a baby was born,
and it was a little girl this time.
Living the American Dream
through the occasional set back.
They faced them all together,
working hard to stay on track.
The children are now adults,
both of them fully grown.
With guidance from their dad,
soon they moved out on their own.
Where had the years gone so quickly?
There were those who didn’t believe
that high school sweethearts could last,
but neither had felt a need to leave.
It was almost time to retire
for both the man and his wife.
For years they’d been together,
sharing an extraordinary life.
They moved to sunny Florida
anxious for a new chapter to begin.
Leaving their home and children
and all the cold of Michigan.
The man wanted to play lots of golf.
The wife wanted a year-round tan.
They agreed the struggles were worth it
retirement just gained two new fans.
© copyright Donna Hale Chandler
DONNA HALE CHANDLER
Author of:
LIFE HAPPENS (My Story)
Co-Author of:
THE HINTS BOOKS
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