What I miss most from my kids is the sound of my kids…please understand…yes I miss them running up to me and giving me big hugs and sneaky kisses as I fall asleep on the chair…but the sound of my kids as I am cooking their meals…I hear them fighting over toys…who's stuff is who's…I miss them asking me for a glass of water or something to drink.

As I put their clothes to wash while they are in school, one of my youngest sits patiently watching TV waiting for her sister to come home. My youngest daughter comes to me with the tea cups or plays like she is polishing my toes.

When my other daughter gets dropped off by the bus, first I wait for her and when she steps off the bus it’s with a big smile from ear to ear. Sometimes we race home. I might let her win now and then.

When my boys come home, I have just enough trust in myself to let them ride the riding lawnmower back from the bus stop. It’s wonderful to hear them yell “Go straight! Go straight!”

The sound of my kids…yes I miss that very much...When it was time to for me to leave we went to CiCi's in Tomball and got our bellies full.

We played the video games and laughed out loud…nobody knew that evening was the saddest in my life.

I am a single parent and yes, I bow my hat to all the single parents out there that are taking the responsibility to raise their kids. It's a hand full for me but my kids are my life.

I miss the sound of my kids…the day I left them and gave them all the hugs and kisses goodbye it was total silence.

Sgt. Ignacio Rodriguez is a Tomball soldier currently serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army. He may be reached by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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