By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2022

First published in Founder’s Favourites (December 2022)

Dedicated to the inspirational couple, Jason and Rachel Hallett

Their love for each other
transcended all,
healing his inner wounds
so he stood tall —
a wounded warrior
and triple amputee —
cut down on his first tour
of marine corps duty;

 Sweethearts from middle school reunited —
from his hospital room love ignited.

She called him her hero —
a brave young minesweeper
avenging Ground Zero
with his brothers at arms,
when planted IED
exploded through a wall,
collapsing the structure,
tearing limbs in his fall.

Medivacked and treated
in countless surgeries,
battling more than just wounds —
depressed and world-weary,
he reached out on Facebook,
connecting love to pain,
his heart warmed by her words
of gratitude explained.

Falling in love again
they dated and were wed,
blessed by their faith and love
they started a homestead.

Craving a family
without money or means,
they struggled mightily
for in vitro to pass their genes.

Bearing beautiful twins —
God’s gifts, a boy and girl —
forging a family…
from one oyster, two pearls.