Written by
Audra Edwards
“The love between humans is the thing that nails us to this earth.”
-Ann Patchett, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage
When I was around five years old, I held my first robin’s egg. The chick had already hatched, but left behind on the ground were the two halves of its “starter home.” I remember stooping down to gaze at the surreal blue of those shells. With every bit of gentleness my little fingers could manage, I scooped them up and went to find my mom.
“Mama, look!” I cried breathlessly.
I extended my cupped palms to show her my treasure. I was reverent but also fearful. Fearful because I knew the fragility of those shells. Despite being already broken open, they still held mystery—the imprint of life. In my hands, I held the beginning of something, and I felt I was the keeper of its story.
Decades later, I would stand in a space with ten other people and watch as they each held out their own cupped palms, reverently (sometimes fearfully), joyfully (sometimes sorrowfully), ALL of them bravely…and showed us their beginnings.
Follow along below to witness the very first VSP Writers’ Retreat. In February 2026, Veteran and active duty military spouses travelled from six different states to create, to bond, to celebrate the beautiful fragility of being broken open. Many of us came with shells still in place, unsure of what we would find. We left with wings spread wide, the keepers of each other’s stories.
A Retreat to Remember
Preparing
Gathering
Listening & Learning
Laughing & Loving
Writing
Burning & Releasing
I don’t remember what ever happened to that robin egg shell I held as a child. I also don’t remember if I ever laid eyes on the fledgling that I hope eventually left its nest to soar through the skies. I’m grateful it left its beginning in my path, though.
I’d like to think holding that shell made me recognize that we’re all connected by the shared experiences of life, with all its fragility, struggles, strength, and love. We just have to be willing to hold out our hands—open our wings—and accept the stories we’re given.
Did this story resonate with you?
Share your words in the comments or on our social media pages here or here.
Your reflection will help our military families know you see them!
Originally from the rural Midwest, AUDRA EDWARDS has taught writing and English literature in Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia, Washington, North Carolina, & Texas. Her life as a nomad, living and writing from the wilds of the Scottish Highlands to the winter wonderland of Alaska to the scorching desert of southern Texas, (and many places in between), has given her a profound connection to the way in which our experiences shape our perspectives and perceptions. Audra utilizes this understanding in her work as both a writer and a nonprofit business manager for VSP and in her identity as the military spouse of her active duty Air Force soulmate. Her current work includes co-writing the memoir of Jeannie Puckett, wife of the late Korean War hero and Medal of Honor recipient COL (Ret.) Ralph Puckett. She was also recently selected to participate in the Dingle Writers’ Workshop and will be re-packing her suitcase for a writing adventure in Dingle, Ireland.
Are you an active duty or veteran milspouse interested in being a guest writer for VSP? Get in touch with your details and topic interests on our contact page!
