story by Lauren Venzor

After a tour in Iraq, Clark Edwinson returns to his previous life with the help of his family. photo by Briana Sanchez.

Though Edwinson’s family was many miles away from him, he says he kept them close to his heart.

“It was very difficult for me not being with my family for the holidays,” Edwinson said. “I found myself referencing the time constantly and wondering what they may be doing or what I was missing out on.”

However, Edwinson didn’t know that they were struggling as much as he was with the separation.

“My family never told me how difficult it was for them while I was gone, as they did not want me to worry,” Edwinson said. “My wife, with help from our children, did a marvelous job of keeping things in order. I’m sure they could have used my help carving the turkey, trimming the tree and taking pictures, [but] they did the best they could and made it as memorable a Christmas as possible.”

There is a saying in the Army, “Improvise, Adapt and Overcome.” Edwinson believes that this is exactly what his family did.

“Families ‘serve’ too while their soldier is deployed. I am amazed how well my family accomplished things while I was gone,” Edwinson said. “Sure there were times when the lawn didn’t get mowed or the light bulb wasn’t changed for a while, but they made it through.”

However, Edwinson’s family was not the only group of people who had the soldier in their thoughts. His students sent him a care package.

“I will never forget receiving a rather large and wonderful care package full of letters, magazines, and goodies from everyone here at Franklin,” Edwinson said.

As Franklin has given Edwinson support while he was gone, he has a piece of advice for the students with family members in active duty.

“Families back at home should remind themselves that they are serving their country too. Remember that it is OK to ask for help,” Edwinson said. “Write your [soldier] often and tell them that you love and appreciate what they are doing. Send surprise care packages with reminders from home to let them know you are thinking of them.”