Poetry by Lyndee Ivey

I am the mother of a three year old boy. His father has been in Iraq for the past year and has 8 more months before he's home to stay. This is his second trip over. This poem describes the daily stresses and joys I share with my son every day. I wrote it late one night after a hectic and tiring road trip, and it began as a letter to my son trying to explain why Momma is sometimes tired, grumpy and impatient. The poem taught me that the joy he brings to my life always trumps the stresses; and I believe knowing that gets us through each day.

My husband and I are apart because he's in Iraq with the military. Like many couples we find that supporting each other emotionally, spiritually, and daily through life is sometimes challenging when we live under the same roof; and always challenging when we're thousands of miles apart. We both need different types of support now. With prayers and my wish for him in this poem I send him strength and love.