When you went off to college without me, I wished you hadn’t. Then you married and had children. I wished it were with me.

I traveled the world, serving with the United States Army, continuing to wish for you.

Our lives unexpectedly turned upside down. Within that year, we found ourselves back home. Wounded, frightened, mature.

I changed my wishes to prayers. I needed His help to heal, trust and feel useful.

Finally, here we are, standing with family, in front of friends, believing we are where we belong. I pledge to love you always, my beautiful, accepting friend.

Note: Michael is a fictional Army veteran who lost both legs in an IED explosion in Iraq. He wears two prosthetic legs, different types, for different occasions. Tessa is his high school sweetheart. The characters have been my focus for two years at the Ranch and the prompt, “I made a wish,” led me to believe I should continue writing their story.