I have two fellow tell-it-like-it-is moms. And one of them left for war today. A whole year. Gone. I’m not talking about the war between siblings that results in bumps and bruises.
I’m talking the real thing: Iraq. I am terrified for her. She will be the gunner, flying as a medic (whatever that means). Thanks to the media, I have terrible visions of what this entails. She told me it’s not like that, but she’s a mom. I think it’s innate to protect the ones you love, even when it means not being totally honest. (Two words: Santa Clause.)
I’ll say it again. She’s a mother. For the next year, her girls will perform in dance recitals, get ready for dances and deal with “dumb” guys — without their mom.
Can you imagine going a year without seeing your children? Understandably, she was an emotional wreck. Dad doesn’t make sandwiches the same, or tuck in kids the same, or read stories in silly voices the same. Dad is good. But dad sometimes doesn’t cut it.
While a part of me can’t understand her decision and is angry with her for leaving, I admire her strength, her courage, her ambition. She’s following her dreams, and for that, I have the utmost respect.
But when I see the girls at parties without their mom, it’s going to be hard. I vowed I would step in as best I could. But I’m not mom. Yes. I’m a mom. But I’m not their mom.
Sacrifice. It’s by far one of the most painful requirements of parenthood. I have made countless sacrifices for my children, but nothing like my Army girl.
So here I am, writing about spilled milk, while one of my best friends is on her way to a warzone. It puts things in perspective, doesn’t it?
Please: Pray for all those who are fighting for our freedoms, who leave their daughters for a year so that we can enjoy the right to vote, the right to express ourselves without fear.
God speed.
Wow. KP. You said it best. I love you.
Jacq: I love you, too. And by the way. You’re the other “tell-it-like-it-is” mom. Please keep reading and tell your friends!
Wow, Kristen!! Tears!
Thanks, Lana.
I meant everything I wrote. I’m going to miss her.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Please suscribe and keep reading! And tell all your friends!
Wow! Kristen I’m typing through eyes filled with tears! God Speed is right, I’ll be praying for Army Mom and her family.
Thanks, Aunt Mary.
It was hard to write. I’m going to miss her so much.
Please subscribe to my blog and keep reading! I’m trying to build an audience. And please share the link with as many people as possible.
This is Army moms mom. As hard as it was for her friends to see her leave it was gazillian times harder for me. She went from my little girl in lace to combat boots and shooing from an open door in a helicoper. Please God protect her and bring her home safe to all who care and love her.
I can’t imagine watching your daughter go to war. It brings tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks for all of your kind words. It will be tough for us all, but she did it when I was gone….numerous times and I did it when she was gone last year. I know where she is going and I know what it will be like. I pray for her every day and I know that she will come back to us next year. I know this because she is strong and smart and simply unwilling to do anything except complete her mission. I know this because she is with the best damn group of aviators that God ever created and they will all watch over one another.
Please don’t forget Aaron. He leaves for Iraq next week. Then in September my nephew Kevin deploys. There are hundreds more that fight for our freedom. They are our sons, daughters, husbands, wives, friends, and lovers. They do it voluntarily and with pride. They do it so future generations won’t have to. Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.
Thanks, Bill.
I think about Aaron all the time. And I know you can relate. I can’t…so this is my forum for communicating that.
Keep reading 🙂