Running to the Gate

For a whole year, my daddy was a picture on a screen and a voice on the phone.

We sent him boxes of cookies and drawings of our house. He sent letters that smelled like dust and adventure, and he always wrote I love you at the very bottom.

But today is different. Today the waiting is finally over.

Mommy and I wake up before the birds. I put on the red and white striped shirt Daddy likes best. We carry the big sign we made yesterday, the one with the shiny silver glitter, into a gymnasium so full of people it buzzes like a beehive.

Then the doors open, and a line of soldiers marches in wearing the same uniform. So many boots. So many hats.

And then I see him.

A story about the homecoming every military family waits for, told by the child who has been counting the days. For the families who have stood in that gym, and for the ones still waiting their turn.

Part of the Silver Lined Dreams series from Minton Legacy Publishing, written for military families by an author whose own family has served.

Full color throughout. Written for ages 4 to 8, to be read together.