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Nov. 11, 2025 — “Veterans Day: Wondering, Waiting, Worrying,” by Army brat and veteran Timothy Trainer, author, “The Fortunate Son”

There’s a home to be kept

And beds to be made

There’s an empty space in the bed

And a minute of worrying and a quickening pulse

There are children to raise

And lunches to be wrapped

There are bills to be paid

And a lawn to be mowed

There’s the sun rising in the sky

And a moment looking out wondering

There’s a car that needs repair

And a water leak to be plugged

There’s daily waiting for a message or mail

And the sound of people and cars passing by

There are birthdays to celebrate

And holiday feasts to prepare

There’s that empty chair

And the never-ending worrying

There are aging parents to visit

And meeting friends as a diversion

But the weight of the wait and wondering refuse to lessen

There are teachers to meet

And doctors to see

But the mind preoccupies with worry

There’s only fitful sleep

And mornings of slow rising

There’s the knock on the door, the ringing of the doorbell

And the heart pounds in the chest, feeling every beat

Is there a telegram or people at the door

Is it death or catastrophic injury

There’s life-altering news when that moment comes

And before the door opens, thoughts scramble

There’s no avoiding whatever the fate

And it’s like a branding iron burning that moment forever into the conscience

There’re the combatant and the waiting, worrying, wondering family members

And they are bound as one

And life for all is changed forever

There’s no more waiting, no more wondering

Veterans Day, sacrifices made by many every day

Remember those who serve, their spouses, children, parents, siblings