Time Change Sunday
It was a few years ago that my eldest daughter had been called up for active duty in Afghanistan. Her unit was leaving on the Sunday when time changed. Here are my thoughts and feelings on that day.
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Time Change Sunday
Spring ahead – lose an hour
Not enough sleep
Spending time together
Not sure when the next opportunity will be.
Be at the base by 6:30 a.m.
No, that has changed
Will send a message
With the new time.
Text says to be there at 14:00
I wonder . . . what if they decided
To leave early
Would you be left behind?
Trip to the base to drop you off
Will be back
To wait with you until
It’s time for you to leave.
But the time has changed
Now it is at 18:00
So we play Phase 10
Good way to pass the time.
Halfway through the game
Time to head to the airport
The busses have arrived
Time for soldiers to board.
Head to the airport
To get some food first
There’s what – a parade??
Through town??
Waiting with anticipation
There they are!
Lights flashing
Motorcycles with flags flying.
Cars, trucks, motorcycles
Riding with lights blinking
To signify the importance
Of this incredibly long train.
This entourage continues
Slowly carrying precious cargo
Our own – on to the next stop
Fulfilling their duty to our country.
Traffic comes to a halt
To honor the troops riding to the airport
My daughter is on that bus
My heart is full, my eyes full of tears.
Busses, bikes, cars
File into the airport
Overtaken by family and friends
It’s just us and our soldiers.
Families standing together
Couples holding each other
Smiles, tears, laughter, silence
Today is time change, for sure.
The plane arrives
A long time coming, and yet…
Did it have to come so soon?
Shouldn’t it be an hour later?
The troops line up
Ready to make the final trip
Up the ramp – ready to leave
Today our time has changed.
What does the future hold?
What changes in the lives
Of each of these soldiers
Lord God, You know.
Thank You that our times
Are in Your hands
You are the One Who makes
All things new.
Thank You that on this day
We can trust You
With every time change
In the lives of our soldiers.
-Marilyn Hodgin, March 23, 2010
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Marilyn's Musings 
I am finding at my age I stay in a state of change. Some for the good some for the pain of it all but I give thanks I am around to change. I feel my family is changing a lot too. Some for the good some for the pain of it all. So we grow older together and hang on to love for the good of it all!!! Thank you God for everything.
Thanks for sharing. Keep hanging on!
“I have learned to be content in whatever state I’m in.” Does that include the state of change??