I didn't plan to marry a military man, keeper of the skies. I planned to marry a local man a worker in the city, secure behind his desk.

I didn't plan to fall in love with a man who would take me all over the country and back again.

I didn't plan to be a military wife learning to be independent and resourceful.

I planned on a husband who would sleep beside me each night, took out the garbage, and changed the oil in my mini van. In the midst of my planning, however, I didn't plan on my swelling of pride I felt when I saw him in his dress uniform, receiving a medal.

I planned on car pools and train stations with company holidays once a year.

I didn't plan on standing in an airport or on a runway watching his plane take off, or catching the first glimpse of his face as he walks through terminal unloading door. Holding each other in a close embrace after his flight home from a far away place.

I planned and planned, and then ended up falling deeply in love with a military man.

And the part of the love I felt for that man, was the excitement, the pride, and the commitment of his chosen career.

BEST IF OF ALL

THE THINGS I DIDN'T PLAN ON

BECAME THE THINGS I NEVER DREAMED!

Kelly Simons