This poem was written for all of those who have a loved one that must be gone for a long period of time, whether military, family problems, education, or any other reason. It's the feelings that go along with the expectant return.

After weeks and months have past
anxiety grows from first to last.
At times you want to cry or shout
to get emotions from inside out.

Day after day as the time draws near
you begin to wonder, sometimes with fear.
Will she like me as she did before,
or will she love me even more?

You start to imagine all kinds of things.
What if she isn't wearing my rings?
She could plan to come back in the fall.
Maybe she's decided not to come back at all.

Then as you imagine the very worst,
she says, "Honey, I'll be home by the first."
All your fears have been put to rest,
and you say, "Whatever you think is best".

As the day comes for her to arrive,
your life has changed, again you feel alive.
You shower and shave and use brush and comb.
You want to look your best when she gets home.

Your heart beats faster, the day is brighter.
You stand up straight, your cares seem lighter.
As you drive to the airport on the freeway,
you keep telling yourself, "What a great day".

You're on time, her plane is three hours late.
Once again you find it so hard to wait.
You walk the shops looking at stuff
thinking, time isn't passing fast enough.

Finally the word, her plane is here.
You're so excited knowing your love is near.
At the gate you pace to and fro,
not noticing others as they come and go.

At last you see her in the crowd.
You shout and call her name out loud.
She turns and there you are, face to face.
Her arms go 'round you in a passionate embrace.

At that moment you know without a doubt,
that this is what your life is all about.
The waiting is over, only for this time.
You've aged a little, but for now everything is fine.