If I Had Any Say by Tammy Wise-Thrash

Mama, I won’t be comin’ home
Because I was sitting in a different place
The explosion took us by surprise
Just one block from our base

The night before I left home
You asked me to promise I’d come back safe
I looked at you and we both knew
I could see it on your face

I couldn’t promise what might be untrue
Until you said to me
“I don’t care if it’s a lie”
So safe I promised you I’d be

But I want you to know
If I could have foreseen that day
The outcome would be the same
It turned out the way I would have chosen
...if I’d had any say

My assistant gunner’s alive today
Because I was sitting in a different place
The most important mission I ever had
Was making sure that he stayed safe

I know you’ll hurt and I know you’ll cry
But I haven’t left you alone
I’m sending you sons to take my place
Pretty soon they’ll all be home

They’ll need the love you gave to me
They’ll need you to be strong
Please tell them not to blame themselves
Not one did anything wrong

So I want them to know
If I could have foreseen that day
The outcome would be the same
It turned out the way I would have chosen
...if I’d had any say

Today I got to thank the Lord
Because I was sitting in a different place
Instead of being a soldier taking a stand
I am an angel sitting at His right hand

So, Mama, believe this is not goodbye
We’ll just be apart for a while
The breeze that just touched your face
Was my kiss to make you smile

My love for you will last forever
Through all time and space
Your Loving Son, Robert Wise
(just in case)

p.s. Always remember I wanted you to know
If I could have foreseen that day
The outcome would be the same
It turned out the way I would have chosen
...if I’d had any say

- written July 11, 2005; the "Last Letter Home" I imagine I would have gotten. Written as a tribute to Robert as his 23rd birthday approached.

Robert, you are loved and you are missed.

I am so very proud of you. You will be in my heart always."
Tammy Wise-Thrash of Tallahassee, FL, USA

MC (64.12.116.5) -- Sunday, March 12 2006, 07:09 am

This brings me to tears every time I read it
I was priviledged to hear Tammy recite this poem at the dedication of the street named in honor of her son. She is one amazing LADY, a true inspiration, and a woman that I deeply respect and admire. So glad this finally got posted.

Terrie* (66.81.139.74) -- Sunday, March 12 2006, 07:00 pm

Your Sons love . a hug from Jesus last FOREVER
Tammy, this brought a flow of tears.. i am a Veterans Widow, through my beliefs i share the touch of love with the souls that journey in this life , departin' or arrivin', in the words that i express from the heart of a wife, daughter, mother, lover, aunt, neighbor or friend heart.never knew a stranger, so i say...take my hand as i take you to where the souls of our loved ones go..cain you feel ? right there deep inside your heart.. feel that footprint, the light, that travels with you where ever you go? the Good Spirit shares that w/you in every breath you take...i feel the power of your mothers love in your heart.... this ia BEAUTIFUL

Rick Ryckman (71.97.17.154) -- Friday, November 17 2006, 03:08 am

Tammy Wise-Thrash
I am sitting quietly with the tears falling down my face. Truly can feel the love flooding from these words. I am sure your son was looking down with a smile as you penned these words. My heart sends out a hug to you for your lost.

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