[Article found in the Daily Newspaper 2/24/05 - I thought it was well written and touching - some things we don't really want to say]

'I don’t envy soldiers’ mothers'

When each of my three sons was a baby, I would often run to their crib just to make sure they were breathing. I rocked them and sang off-key lullabies with made-up words and gave instructions to sitters as though I were executing an elaborate plan for national survival.
Then in the blink of an eye they were up and walking and climbing the steps of a school bus as I wiped away the tears.
Mine, not theirs.
And before I could compose myself, they were headed to high school and after what seemed more like four minutes than four years, my two oldest sons were graduates.
These little guys I held in my arms night after night now tower over me and, thankfully, have voicemail and e-mail accounts where I leave familiar rants only a mother could understand.
Just call me, I say, let me know how you’re doing.
It’s the grown-up equivalent of peering over the crib rails, watching them breathe.
Because even though they’re legally adults, they’re still my babies.
And I am all too familiar with the hand life can suddenly deal you.
For us, there were a number of close calls. There were illnesses and accidents that sent me flying to the emergency room. There were naughty pranks that seemed to turn my hair gray overnight. But they grew up to be good boys and, now, fine young men who are still the loves of my life.
People have always liked to tell me I’m tough and I’m brave for raising three rambunctious boys, and I used to rather smugly agree.
But now I see, I’m a downright coward compared to you.
You are the mothers whose sons and daughters are sent to foreign cities with unpronounceable names, where the enemy is rife with terrorists who defy logic and define barbarism.
I hear from you often.
This one just shipped out for Iraq. That one’s headed for Afghanistan. And then there’s always one who’s going, but you’re not sure where. You just know it isn’t home. And that’s all it takes to break a mother’s heart.
Mothers, I would salute you, if only I knew how. Because this is one challenge I’ve never had to face and, to be perfectly honest, I don’t know that I could.
And that’s the way I want it. Forever.
Because as much as I wish I could lie to you, I’m not willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for my country.
Yet, there are mothers who — willing or not — are.
Now, every time the sky booms or a jet roars, I hear only the sound of breaking hearts. It reminds me to carry on without complaint like the good soldier I know I’ll never be.
And be thankful that I’m not.

    

 

 

"The Military Wife"

There she sits by the phone,
Willing it to ring.
Needing to hear those words of love
She knows that call will bring

The hours pass, but pass so slow,
And still there is no call.
From her love so far away
And the tears start to fall.

Once again, the day drags on,
She knows it's part of life.
Spending days and nights alone
When you're a military wife

He goes because it's his duty,
To protect the freedom of this land.
She prays the God will keep him
Safely in his hand.

She's had no word for three long weeks,
She doesn't know if he's okay.
She knows there is but one thing to do,
And that one thing is to pray.

God must have been listening
As she bowed her head just then,
Because the phone started to ring
As she whispered "Keep him safe, Amen".

Before he hangs up the phone,
She whispers "I love you".
Her heart soars with joy again,
When he says "I love you too".

There she sits by the phone
Not wanting the call to end,
But thankful for the chance
Her love for him to send.

No matter where they are,
They are never far apart.
It takes more than distance
To separate their hearts.

For they were joined in love,
And they meant those words for life.
That has a special meaning
When you're a military wife.