Erin's Song

Disclaimer: I do not own BJ, Erin, Peg, or any other M*A*S*H character per say. They belong to their creator and/or Larry Gelbart, and 20th Century Fox. Nor did I write/own the rites to the song used. The original lyrics are to Annabella's Song by EverClear. However, I have slightly altered the lyrics to fit the story. Were I making any money off of this, you would know.

            War, n. A contest between nations or parties carried on by force of arms; profession of arms; art of war; hostility; enmity.

            That's the formal definition. I, however, like to think of it as the thing that separated me from my family: my wonderful wife Peg, and my beautiful baby girl, Erin.

            Erin…how I miss her…

            I haven't seen her since she was about…eight months old. Then I was shipped off to Army Med. Training. Yet, somehow, I can still remember what things were like before this hell they call The Korean Conflict.

            For a year, my life revolved around Erin. Preparing for her, then, after she was born, taking care of her.

I see you roll your eyes; you know it makes me smile;

            You are like the sun to me, bright as liquid fire;

           

            I don't know how I live without her…or Peg…You know, I guess I don't really. They're the only things I've got going for me, currently, and I'm stuck here, helpless, not doing anything for them.

            I feel so powerless to hold you up above the world;

            You are quite a lot of trouble, such a pretty little girl;

            That's exactly it. I want to be home with my daughter. But I know I can't. So matter how much I pray, it won't get the war over any faster. The majority of the time, it seems like the war will never end. That's when I remember Erin. No matter what happens here, I will always look forward to going home to her. But, with every fond memory, there's a harsh realization. I have missed probably some of the most important days of her life. And to do what? Pull bodies out of a sausage grinder!

            You know I'm never home;

            I'm always miles and miles away;

            I feel I'm running out of time, to say the things I need to say;

What if, just what if, for some reason I don't make it back? What'll I do then? Peg will have to work to support Erin, then Erin will have to grow up without a mother or a father. Think of what that would be like for her! It's bad enough, now, that her father is off cleaning up after the army, but her mother off waiting tables all day, too? I would never forgive myself for that. Never.

Call you on the telephone, you will not talk to me;

            Yeah, you just don't understand, you're my everything;

Life without Erin. Misery. Complete and utter misery with breaks for gin and happy hour. I don't think I could bear it. Before Erin, that was different. But after Peg had Erin, it was just wonderful. Boy, I miss them like hell…

Tell me what you want, baby, tell me what you need;

And know, and know, you are never alone.

Erin… This damn war won't last forever, you can count on that. I'll be home before I know it. I hope.