Leticia Espinales
Life As I See It 

They were too many hugs to count; I could not think of many times in my life where so many people were so openly expressing such raw and heart-wrenching emotion.

I, myself, seemed to be controlling my emotions pretty well until the last few moments. It was all I could do to keep from crying.

Just an hour before, I had entered the crowded gymnasium and felt the immediate sadness of the situation. I scanned the area and viewed scenes that broke my heart. The sight of children weeping was particularly difficult, their swollen red eyes expressing the pain and despair. A young girl about 11 or 12 years old cried nonstop. She stood close to her father and stroked his arm while wiping away the tears with her other hand.

Prior to this, there had been months of preparation which included, among other things, taking care of legal matters such as power of attorneys and wills, yet despite all the paperwork and training, the reality of the situation really hit home prior to the moment of farewell.

Regardless of your political opinion, it would have taken a great deal of effort to rationalize the Iraq war to the families present that day.

As I sat on the bleachers of that gym in Fort Hood, Texas, I watched as a husband and wife cried together during their “last moments” before his departure. Other spouses seemed to hold on tenderly, while others appeared to be in an unbreakable embrace. I witnessed others spending these last few minutes playing with their children, some who were too young to comprehend the seriousness of the day, or to understand the length of separation that lay ahead.

Every minute was precious as the soldiers attempted to visit with their families as long as they could. I was there with Timothy and Bonnie Walker who were seeing their daughter, SSG Yursala Charles, off for a 15-month tour in Iraq. We squeezed every moment we could get together.

However, before we knew it, the buses arrived — time was up. We ran outside to get a last hug when Yursala walked by to board the bus. Moments later she opened the window and waved us over. Her mother held her outstretched hand; last words were exchanged until the bus engine roared, signaling their departure.

We stepped away and watched her last waves and blown kisses … then they were all gone.

It will be a hard road to tow for all involved and I pray for God to guide them daily, as well as for a swift and safe return for all those serving.