Dear Military Mom,
I wonder how often you think of your son. Not the man he turned into but the boy he used to be. Do you miss finding Legos, toy soldiers and lost shoes in the living room? Do you ever think back to the last drawing you hung on the refrigerator? If you had known it would be the last one, would you have kept it up a little longer? Do trains and dump trucks make you miss the boy you used to know? Does it seem like just yesterday he was playing tag in the yard and making a mess with water guns? Do you still think about the days when he would ride all day through the neighborhood on his bike? Do you remember holding his hand, kissing him good-night and having him sleep under your roof? Do you remember worrying about keeping him safe and making sure he he didn’t get hurt? Do you look at the grown man and wonder when the little boy disappeared?
Things have changed now. His re-enlistment photo has replaced his 5th grade school picture. His most recent address is hanging where the crayon drawing used to be. His boots still get left in the living room but it’s a living room in another state or maybe half a world away. Helicopters and tanks probably still make you think of him especially if they are Army green. His games of tag has been replaced with four mile runs before the sun comes up. His water gun is now a rifle that he shoots with amazing accuracy. You wait for phone calls and emails that never seem to come often enough in spite of his best intentions. He travels the world but you love his visits because for a few days he’s home and under your roof again. You still worry about him being safe and you always will. Being a mom gives you that right.
While most women struggle to raise their sons from boys to men, you were able to turn a boy into a hero. You did your job well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You raised a man I love as much as you do. Happy Mother’s Day.
Love,
Your Daughter-in-Law (An Army Wife)
While this blog is addressed to an unnamed military mom, I wrote it specifically for “Moms”, my mother-in-law. I love my mother-in-law and I know how lucky I am.
A lovely tribute to the moms of the men we fell in love with; of the men we chose to follow wherever they go, whichever place we call “home”.
On another note, I get to “exhale” in 10 days when the love of my life returns home!!!!!!!
Made me teary eyed, yet again!
Love this. Every soldier, sailor, Marine was a little boy or girl before they put on the uniform. Love my Marine. Grateful for his mom.
Thank You ..a Military Mom trying to exhale.