My Dear Friends,
As our hearts break with the outbreak of so many wars in the 21st century and we all shake our heads in disbelief, it is my honor to celebrate and appreciate our military children, soldiers and families for April Month of Military Family Appreciation.
This song is a tribute to all military children written by my dear friend Rhonda for her granddaughter, a seven year old daughter, of a military dad. who is on the move again and sad to leave her home and family once again. Rhonda is a star to all of us who know and love her. She is a songwriter, mother of 3 with 3 beautiful grandchildren. Her son has been in the military for 11 years and has been deployed many times. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to him and to everyone that serves our country.
Rhonda also just won the lyric category of the Great American Song Contest which she also won last year for another military song called “Weight of The Ink”, about how hard it is for the spouse left behind when there is deployment.
She is talented and committed and like us on the blog, passionate about her music and songwriting, spending countless hours with her teacher. I am in awe of her lyrics, dedication and talent.
Note: The last picture in her video is of her beautiful daughter in law and her precious granddaughter, Harper.
In her own words:
This song is a tribute to all military children who have endured countless holidays, birthdays, moves and milestones without the presence of their active-duty military parent(s). Nearly 2 million American children have a parent currently serving in the military. April is the Month of the Military Child so let’s recognize the strength, sacrifice and special contributions that military children and families make to our country. This song was inspired by my military son, daughter-in-law and grandchild, and their love for each other.
Without further ado and most likely a tear or two….. Enjoy this beautiful song and videography!
“You Are The Star”
There are so many miles between us;
On a road I knew I had to choose.
I’m gone so many nights,
Defending our Stars and Stripes;
Every step brings me closer to you.
So many thoughts movin’ ’round my mind.
That goal you scored while I was away.
The faded t-shirt that you wear;
Wind flying through your hair.
Your head on my shoulder; candles on your cake.
Chorus:
You’re too young,
For these greetings and good-byes;
Airport scenes and new routines,
Tears in people’s eyes.
Just shine strong.
I’m proud of who you are.
Laugh and grow and always know,
Within my heart and mind
You are the star.
Welcome signs are bright as 4th of July.
Waving hands tell me that I’m home.
I lift you in my arms;
Keep you safe from harm.
And I never want to let you go.
When’s your bedtime? Which shoes do you wear?
What do you like on your toast?
Keep holding my hand tight;
Everything will be all right.
Love will keep our family whole.
You’re too young
For these greetings and good-byes;
Airport scenes and new routines
Tears in people’s eyes.
Just shine strong.
I’m proud of who you are.
Laugh and grow and always know,
Within my heart and mind
You are the star.
Too many milestones, missed on the way.
Too many unknowns in your day.
You’re the voice,
That had no choice,
So I salute and say;
Thank you to the bravest stars across the USA.
You’re too young
For these greetings and good-byes;
Airport scenes and new routines
Tears in people’s eyes.
Just shine strong.
I’m proud of who you are.
Laugh and grow and always know,
Within my heart and mind…
You are the star.
You are the star.
You are the star.
by Rhonda Gessow © 2018 COPYRIGHT All Rights Reserved
Thank you truly for taking time to tune in and please follow her on YouTube for more songs in the future. Congratulations Rhonda! I know my readers are also be so grateful to you for sharing your heart and love in turbulent times.
Winners – 2021 Great American Song Contest
Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting
Weight Of the Ink
Rhonda Gessow
Here’s to our troops that continue to defend, protect and sacrifice for all of us. There are no words but I know how appreciative we all are and how senseless it seems but needed.
May you and your family stay blessed!
💖
Cindy
Click below to share:
Wow, Congrats to Rhonda! This tugs at my heart, the military child serves with the family! 💓
Yes, bravo I agree Tricia and I know you get this. She really is and you’re right she’s just adorable and big now.. but ever so cute and precarious. 💖
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Such a touching and beautiful song. Congratulations to Rhonda, so very talented. The baby in the picture is absolutely adorable. Thanks for sharing, Cindy.💕🙏💕
It truly is heartfelt and her talent is incredible. Thanks so much Grace and I know she will enjoy your kind comment. I know right… ALMOST makes me want to have grandchildren … hahaahaha !💖😂💖
Let’s not even go there. I am soooo looking forward to being a grandmother but know I will have to wait a long time since my eldest is only 24, but someday.💕🤣🤣🤣💕
What a lovely tribute to our military and their families! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Dawn for your kind hearted comment and you are most welcome!
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Congratulations to Rhonda. Heartfelt and beautiful song honoring the military children.. Beautifully rendered by Mathew as well. Thanks for sharing this Cindy 💖
I applaud her and you for your kind appreciation Dear Radhika! We can’t share a last name and anything about her son unfortunately.. Lots of secrets (as it’s needed) in the military but as a friend, I want to stand on the mountain and cheer his name! You’re welcome and thanks truly for visiting!! 💖
A hearty congratulations to Rhonda, this song was so beautiful I got goosebumps though out. Military families faces hardships none us could ever imagine and this is a perfect way to honor them. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much Daphny! I’m soooo glad you loved it as much as I did and obviously the masses! I’m with you there. I can’t imagine it either and if you only knew the amount of times we tried to talk him out of it. They are family friends of my kids as well. He has strong character and we are so blessed he’s ok as he had to witness one of his BF’s in the military shot and killed. Not for the weak of heart. Thanks my friend!
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You’re very much welcome, dear Cindy. I guess when one sets their mind to something it is impossible to talk them out of it and the one’s in military are the bravest of all, definitely not for the weak heart. Sending love and hugs to all 🤗❤️
Just… Wow 🥺
I know David:
Talk about heart, rules and talent.. she crosses all of the T’s. 💖💖💖 thanks for your email. was teasing and forgot the 😂 on your post. back atcha later and take good care.
That’s truly awesome. Thank you for sharing, dear Cindy💖
I’m soooo happy to hear how much you enjoyed it Jan! You’re welcome and thank you for reading and listening! 💖💖💖🙏
Really a Great Post, Cindy!!! Bellissimo!!! 😘💕🌹
Thank you so much Chuck! It is truly one to be celebrated, I agree! 💖💖 Thanks my dear freind! 💖
Beautiful Song Dear Cindy
And Surely A Wonderful Tribute
To The Child Who is the Star No
Matter
Who They Are
Sadly Vietnam
Decimated Half the
Rest of the Males on
my Mother’s Side in 1968
And True That Was only 1 Out of
2 Males Left Besides me as Life isn’t
Always Kind to Males Who Go To War
To Defend
Freedoms
This Way
Yep If only
Power Didn’t
Corrupt So Much
STiLL NoW And Make It All
So Senseless indeed mY FRiEnD
Never the Less the SPiRiT of one
Willing to Give His and Or Her Life for
Freedom
A Wonderful
Spirit and
A Star
Lives On
HeART SoUL
in Humankind
This Way True too
Happy Monday Hehe it seems
my Fourth Moderna Covid Booster
is Slowing my ‘Fredwoods’ a Bit Today
or Perhaps it Was the Easter Feast on
The Grounds of Pot Luck Church Yesterday
Hehe There is Always A Way Out of DarK to LiGHT
Somehow
Someway
This Hope
This Faith
This LoVE ReaL NoW..:)
Thank you truly dear Fred and I’m soooo sorry for all of the loss you and your family have endured. That is tragic. All the blessings in the world to you. So senseless and yes indeed the spirit moves on and we will be the voice for those that have died for us. oh man stay away from that and keep the vision of faith. Have a blessed day!
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That is a really great song. I hope it gets a lot of national attention. Military families serve, too. Thanks for sharing Cindy! 😊🧡💖
Soooo happy you enjoyed it John! I think it’s doing quite well and I hope so too!!!! 💖💖
It’s such a beautiful song Cindy❤
Thank so much Sheereen! Rhonda will be touched by your comment my dear girl!
This world has seen terrible things in this century, not just wars, nor diseases, nor droughts… very terrible things in places far and near. And oh sweet Rhonda, she has written a wonderful tribute song there. I had to put everything aside to watch and it indeed filled my heart with great inspiration and awesomeness. It’s not only comforting but reassuring too, full of hope and love. What a wonderful woman of her own cadre! I can just imagine how sad and suspenseful it always feels to see one’s kin constantly depart for war. The joy of receiving them back must also be immense. This, i have enjoyed, dear Cindy. 💖💖💖
Oh Lam, it’s soooo true but still we persevere. Yes indeed, she is the sweetest and most talented. How dear of you to put everything aside with your big debut coming up and have a listen. She has a way with words that matches her personality and giving spirit. I know I can’t either but she grew wings of hope and resiliency. Unlike me, I don’t think she’s ever raised her voice. She is a saint of such. Oh yes, I can only imagine as well what a relief and blessed it must be. Thanks truly Lamittan, I happy you enjoyed it! 💖💖💖
That’s for sure. Such people are a blessing to our society. Feel most welcome, dearest ❤ ❤
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Cindy my dear friend, what a beautiful message and tribute to those who served in the military and those who succumbed to the dreadful, and incomprehensible wars. So many families unfortunately go through these deployments more than once or even twice. It is always an emotional and heartbreaking thing to watch. 😥😥😥
Although my father wasn’t in the military, there are a host of other family members and friends who did serve, and continue to serve. My husband is a disabled Vietnam vet and sometimes the mental and emotional scars from the war might rear their ugly head unexpectantly, and I could never fathom the ugliness he experienced (like seeing the bodies of his fallen comrades) not knowing if you’re going to make it off of the battle fields and back home alive. 🙏🏼
I applaud the beautiful collaboration between Rhonda and Matthew. Superbly done and this presentation certainly tugs at my heartstrings. Thanks so much for sharing Cindy! 🥰💖🤗
Dear Kym,
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed this song as much as I did and her tribute touched you deeply as well. You are so right, t is hard to stand by and witness these heartbreaking experiences but anything we can do to show our gratitude and appreciation is dutiful and yet leaves us often coming out empty with heavy hearts.
My heart reaches far and wide to your family and your wonderful husband that served and continues to have flashbacks of such ugliness and horror. Please give him a hug for me and all of our thanks for his work in serving our country.
Very kind of you Kym. Yes it was terrific and I’m sure she will love hearing your comment!
Bless you and you’re most welcome and thank you truly.
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Cindy, I am just touched by your warm spirit and your compassionate heart. 🥰💖😍 I think this is the reason why you connect to your audience and people in general in the way that you do. We feel that and are so appreciative of your authenticity. 🙏🏼 This is what makes you stand out from the crowd. You have an amazing way of wrapping your arms around the masses with your energy. That my dear is a treasured gift! 🎁🥰🎀
Oh Kym, I can’t tell you how much it means to hear your words because like you, I do my best to do my part small as it may be, to bring us together. When I think deeper about why I blog or want to share my heart it is for that very reason which is to try to reach more people broader with love and light. You just infused me with the energy to meet the upcoming challenges as I walk out to go to a wake 2 funerals this week and prayers to my brother in law as he is stroking right now. Thank you truly my dear hearted inspiring friend! You are a blessing in my life. 💖💖💖
Oh my goodness Cindy, it saddens me to hear about the emotional and spiritual challenges that you are currently facing, 😥 but those adversities work to pour energy into your spirit, and just when you think you can’t walk another step with all of the sadness that seem to float around you, these experiences will empower your testimony my friend. That is the reason why your aura can shine so brightly my dear. 🌟😎✨
Stay encouraged! 🙏🏼 Just like everything else, this too shall pass! 🤗💖😘
Beautiful song, Cindy. Wars are such sad times. It’s always the kids that go.
Yes it is Marsha! Rhonda is so talented and no one wins, especially the kids. You’re kind to share your heart. Thank you! 💖🙏💖
The only positive thing is that war makes people care about others that they might not otherwise care for. There are times that war is essential – to protect the innocent from bullies as in the Holocaust.
Yes it’s heartwarming to see people come together in support and love. It’s a sad truth that it has to be done with the bullies of the world but something I can never get my head around!
Thanks Marsha!💕❤️
Me either.
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What a beautiful song.
Glad you enjoyed it Sadje! 💖
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Such a wonderful tribute. 💖
Truly and thanks Michelle! 💖💖
You’re welcome, Cindy 🙂
Lyrics and videography are wonderfully done. Peace and strength to all who serve and their families. Thanks, Rhonda for what you do … and thanks Cindy for promoting this.
It’s a pleasure Frank. They really are incredible. Thanks always for your support. And cheers to Rhonda! 💖💖👏👏👏
Many congratulations to Rhonda…such a heart touching song…a lovely tribute…thank you for sharing, Cindy ✨💟💫
You’re welcome Navin and thank you so much for sharing your kind hearted message to her! 💖💖👏👏
Thank you & you’re welcome, Cindy✨❤️💫
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Cindy, thank you so much for posting this song during April the Month Of The Military Child. The kids are the voice that had no choice. They were born into families that move from place to place, they leave old friends and try to make new ones, and they worry about a parent who may be gone for 6 months or more at a time. My daughter-in-law just found a precious letter that my granddaughter wrote to her dad (at the bottom of a backpack) who she will not see for a few months. The sadness can hit the kids at any time. I’m glad that she found a way to express her feelings.
I love your community of bloggers. I read all of the comments and really appreciate the level of support, connection, communication and interest that you show each other.
I thank each of you for your kind comments.
Keep writing everyone. I know your talents run deep.
Rhonda
It was my pleasure Rhonda and thank you truly for allowing me to share your song and the your love of family starting with your own and extending to all of the military that serve. What a touching story to hear about the letter that your daughter in law found in the bottom of your granddaughters backpack that she wrote to her dad. That has to be hard when a day can feel like an eternity for a child.
I’m soooo happy you enjoyed reading all of the comments and all of the support. We really are a great community and supportive of each others work. It was a joy to have you here and we appreciate your sharing your amazing wins and gifts in songwriting. Thank you so much for the encouragement and we can’t wait to hear your next songs!! You may want to consider your own blog so we can stay in touch with your exciting adventures. 💖💖💖🙏🙏🙏
Touching, Cindy.
Very 🥺
Thanks Gottfried-:)
You’re welcome ☺️
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Wao very nice
Glad you liked it! Thank you so much!💕
Thanks VJ!! 💖💖
This is so moving….
Thanks Aahna!
So happy you liked it!
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I’ve never been a military wife, Cindy, but I sure know how it feels to be always on the move, so my heart goes out to these families 💕
I haven’t either Ingrid but yes, you have moved a lot which is challenging too!
My heart does as well! Thanks for reading and your thoughts-;)💕
Cindy, thanks for sharing this song and message. It is a perspective we need to hear. Keith
You’re so welcome Keith! Yes, so true! 💕
Wonderful song & lyrics in this heartfelt tribute to the many military families affected by wars! 🙏🏻 Thank you for sharing, dear Cindy ~ wishing you a splendid week ahead! 🤗🌹
Thanks so much Dear Phil! It really is quite profound and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. You’re so welcome and thanks so much for watching it and your valuable sharing heart. You as well, thanks so! 💖💖🙏
Absolutely beautiful. I agree 100% with the sentiment of this song. The imagery and words touched my heart. Thanks for the reminder that our freedom is not free and a heartfelt thanks to those who preserve it. Their families are heroes as well.
It really is and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Yes so touching for sure. You are so welcome and thank you for your very valuable comment!
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This is really touching ❤️… Congratulations.
Thank you so much Kamal. My friend will appreciate your kind support as well!
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Truly heartfelt and passionate🏵great post…♥️
thanks so much!
Happy you enjoyed it!
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Cindy, thanks for sharing this song and message. A great tribute to military family who are affected by war. Truly heartfelt post, Cindy. Too good.
It was my pleasure Kamal and thank you to for your kind appreciation and support!
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You are always welcome dear Cindy. Lots of love and light ❤️❤️❤️
Thank truly and love and light to you as well! 💖
❤️❤️❤️👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🌷🌷🌷
😘🤗
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♥️♥️♥️
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💖💖💖👌👌👌
💕❤️🙏
xxxxxx
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xxxx
Congratulations to Rhonda and thanks to you for this beautiful touching song. It’s so relatable. My elder brother was in army. His family had seen initial hardships, but our Government takes care of army personnel. He is now retired and both children are now well settled.
Thank you so much for weighing in on this piece K.K. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Rhonda really is talented and It is a touching song . You know first hand the difficulties and hardships of army life. I’m happy to hear your brother and children are settled now. 💖💖💖
You’re welcome, Cindy. Yes, Rhonda’s song was really beautiful and touching 💖❤️💐
Big hugs and love for a great night my friend! 💖
What a beautiful piece of narrative that is conveyed emotionally and poignantly! I love what the songs stands for and who it represents.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Jaya! I so agree with you and appreciate your admiration and support always. 💖
Oh, this made me so emotional…i have four siblings in the military service and one passed away in line of duty🥺 so yeah salute to all our brave military soldiers all over the world..and the lyrics of the song is just so beautiful
oh wow Mich. I’m sending them a big prayer and you a big hug. That must her hard. LOTS OF LOVE TO ALL. YES, SHE NAILED IT AND HE SUNG HIS HEART OUT! 💖💖💖
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I bless Rhonda. And you for the intro. Bless the men and women in uniform. Bless all young people. xoxo
oh thanks dear Selma. yes indeed.. i’m blessing them and you too! 💖💖
Heartfelt words.
THANKS SO MUCH Rupali! 💖
A beautiful tribute to all of the brave souls who serve. We thank you for your service. Gorgeous post, Cindy. 💞💞
Thanks so much Jeff! I’m so happy you liked Rhonda’s song and I so agree with you! Much appreciated! Happy Fri-Yay and weekending! 💖💖
Hi Cindy … Today I have time to do some blogging, and wow, what a wonderful time to drop and view your fabulous article … and yep … I cried rivers of tears all the way through Rhonda’s magnificent tribute … oh I need more tissues … thank you for sharing 💛💙😍🌏☮
oh I’m glad you are back on track Ivor. Thanks so much for dropping in and enjoying Rhonda’s song. She is so talented and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. It was a tearjerker alrighty. Thanks for your kind share as well and you’re sooo welcome my friend!💖💖💖
That such a beautifully written song. I feel so touched. Thanks Cindy for sharing such great talent with us. Give my words to Rhonda. ❤️
I think my comments going to your spam folder.
Mee too.. thanks so much Ritish!~ 💖🙏🙏
❣️🙌
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American’s are born to be soldiers. Their is always a great responsibility comes with great power.
we soldier on for sure. Thank you so much for your read and comment! 💖💖
Such a beautiful song. Thank you for posting it and Rhonda for writing it. ❤️🤗🙏
I’m happy you dropped in Scott and got to hear it. Thanks for the kind appreciation as always! 💖
Busy week this week. I didn’t have as much time as usual to spend on WP. I hope you are doing well. ❤️🤗
I noticed that Scott.. Me either. Let’s just say I’m coming up for air. Did you write?
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I am writing everyday, sometimes a little and sometimes a lot.
Oh good!!
Have I missed any posts?
I can’t keep
Up… 💕
Don’t worry if you have. I appreciate and value your insight whenever you are able to comment. Your inspiration keeps me going. 🤗
Thanks for getting my full undercover life at the moment with more than I can almost muster right now Scott! Hey… I’m caught up … at the moment.. 😂😂💖
What an emotional song- thank you for sharing it. 💕
I know right.. You’re so welcome and thanks for listening!! 💖💖🙏
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Reminds me of every deployment, every return, every departure. I have actually had to ask what do you like on your toast. I’m an adult. I made my choices and one of those was to serve, and then it became a way of life and part of my identity. My son never got to make such a decision, he just got carried along. He served/s in every sense even though he had no choice. Makes me proud and breaks my heart. Thanks for recognizing them.
What a thoughtful, insightful, rich, heartbreaking share Wyatt! Thank you for your open and honest words you offered up. I can only imagine what that must have been like. Here’s to you, to your son to our world , to peace. You’re welcome and thanks for weighing in! Bless you! 🙏
So beautiful!! xo
So happy you liked it!!
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Wow. That was amazing. As the mother of a son who has deployed three times, I could barely not cry over this. It should be on Fox’s All American Summer.
Thank you for capturing this experience–family to our American soldiers–so well.