by Alissa Sauer
The snow globe is settled.
Peaceful. Calm. Routine.
He’s home.
His boots are at the door.
His uniform is in the wash.
His seat at the table is set.
He’s at soccer practice and school pickup.
Life is normal.
The bags come out of the closet.
The snow globe starts to shake.
The boots are in the bag.
The uniforms are packed.
The seat at the table is empty.
The snow globe is flipped.
Chaos. Finding new routines.
One less lunch to pack in the morning.
One less coffee to brew.
One less setting at the dinner table.
One less parent for bedtime stories.
Life is normal.
The snow globe is settled.
Peaceful. Calm. Routine.
He comes home.
Big hugs at the front door.
Kids shouting.
The snow globe is flipped.
Chaos. Finding new routines.
Welcome home celebrations.
Cookouts with friends.
He’s home.
His boots are at the door.
His uniform is in the wash.
Life is normal.
The snow globe is settled.
Until it flips again.