A Country of Blood and Sand,
A Sister's wish.
Author note:
Of all the things I have written this is the one that resonates the deepest, I can happily say that my brother and his unit came home safely. But I still light candles for those still fighting. May every sister with this wish have it granted. The sibling's perspective is often ignored, but we are just as touched, having spent our whole lives with those who leave.
~S.I.Hayes
So today is the day that reality hits home
I've just found out that my brothers' off alone
To a Country of Blood and Sand
To protect the Rights of the people of Afganistan
When he was 17 he signed on the line
My mother's the one who put it in his mind
It's not her fault he's gone on this long
He's leaving in three days and will be with his unit
but their not the ones who know just how much he's worth.
He'll spend his 36th and 37th birthdays there.
NOT HERE with the Ones who Care.
I'm Lighting my candles and sending out my silent decree
to all the Gods and Goddess that i have my silent Victory.
That he come home in one piece, unscathed and unharmed.
That his body and mind be as they are now.
A little cynical and just too brave.
He'll be home before you know it they all try and say.
But they forget that we've had our moments of rage,
All that i would trade just so he could stay.
But he's off and now i'm here to take care, make sure that his wife dosent just cry and stare.
Our parents are angry, frustrated and scared.
But I can not show them how much I care.
Not a tear can be shead as he get's on the plane
he just wants to know that we're here just the same.
He treats it like nothing just a walk in the park, but all I imagie is him coming home without parts.
I'm Scared for him, and proud of him for doing what he does, I only hope that I can tell him when he comes home.
Tell him when he's healthy and no longer alone.
But I'll sit on my hands and bury my hearts true fear and be the little trooper he's known all these years.
if he sees the fear, or any doubts, he might just remember it when it really can't count.
I'm the one who always says thing'll be just fine, but it's easy to say when it's theirs and not mine.
Twelve years and some hours are all that seperated our birth, I've never know a birthday without him at out hearth.
This will be a first for me and the first time in twenty and four that he'll not have me throwing confetti at the door.
Thousands of miles will seperate us on days, that have never know eachother anyother ways.
January 7,2006 will mark the start of his 515 days.
To the land of Blood & Sand we ship off
Sargent Thomas O'Brien Hayes.
I love you Bro, and will miss you, May the Gods Keep you safe and bring you home once more to all of those here that love you so much and more,
Shannon Iris...Hayes (Your Sister and Friend)
Please send this on to any and every one, so your prayers will dispell in to the Ether, For My Brother, and all The Brothers, Sisters, Mothers and Fathers, That are going to be out there doing what they feel is right in hopes that they are safe everyday and night.