Tired and Disappointed

 This morning I was awake at four am. Nothing surprising there. I was too excited to fall back asleep. In several hours I would be seeing my son for the first time in seven weeks.

Our rabbis have ruled that since the soldiers receive immeasurable support and strength from being with their families, they should travel whenever they receive a break, even if it’s on Shabbat. Therefore, my son had arrived at home to his wife and children close to the end of this past Shabbat. He had a wonderful Sunday with them before he had to return to duty today. It was decided that we would meet him on his way back this morning and take him on the rest of his journey. Not only would we give him some presents, we would be able to talk uninterrupted for about an hour. Even more important, I would finally be able to hug my son.

It was not to be. Shortly before we were scheduled to leave, he called. There had been in change in plans. He needed to return earlier and was already on his way in an army transport. I was only able to send him a hug via the phone. I’m no longer excited, just tired and disappointed.

HaShem has a plan for everything even if I don’t understand that plan. Now, I pray my son gets out again soon and I will be able give him my hug. Even more important, I pray this will all end with total victory and defeat of evil bringing every soldier home forever.