Ordeal of a soldier’s wife

I want to share my thoughts and feelings as a wife of a soldier through this letter. I hope this can serve as an inspiration to other people.

To this day, I do not know when exactly the Marawi siege began. I tend to not count the days because it will hurt me more. This war is like a nightmare because a lot of soldiers are sacrificing their lives to save innocent people and free Marawi from the hands of evil. A war that once again deprived me to be with my husband. It hurts me so much knowing the hardships my husband and his fellow soldiers are facing until now.

To my husband, I know your body aches because of the strenuous battle and carrying those heavy rifles. I feel very nervous when you tell me that you almost got hit by a sniper’s bullet and toppled by a steel bar because of the intensity of the airstrike. But you still manage to smile and laugh because you do not want me to worry. My conscience bothers me when you only drink coffee as your breakfast and eat a small packed meal that I know is not sufficient. I cannot sleep and eat well when a day passes that you were unable to give me a call because you were on the move. You know how much it gives me relief when my phone rings and it flashes your name. Whenever you call, I answer you with a happy and lively tone but deep inside, I am lonely, nervous, and frightened. But I must be strong so that you will also be strong to fight the enemies. I should not be lonely so that you will not worry. It is hard living without you all the time and waiting for you with uncertainty. It is hard waking up without you by my side. It is hard seeing you endure all the pain and hardships and I cannot comfort you when you need me. I can only offer prayers for your safety. Stay strong for me and do not lose hope. I am always here and waiting for you.

It is no joke being the wife of a soldier, including all the challenges we face whenever our husbands are assigned to far-flung places and dangerous missions. Despite all these, I am very proud of him and I understand what he has pledged to the country. I only hope that this war will end and he will come back home to be with us again.

We are very lucky that we have them and we are grateful that Filipinos appreciate their efforts. From the day I married a soldier, I know that part of him belongs to our country. He is not only my hero and lifesaver. He is also a hero and lifesaver to many Filipinos.

PRECIOUS S., [email protected]