Friday, October 16, 2009

Mommas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be....Soldiers

There is our Marine on the right, live from Iraq! It makes us so happy to see that boy with his cute smirk on his face. The fully loaded automatic weapon he is holding is a little disturbing... but I am glad he has it.

I wish he was here. Here loafing around on our couch. Overdrawing his account. Skipping his cell phone payments. Generally driving us crazy. All of that seems like such a better option now.

His unit has been attacked twice in the past week. He called last week after fighting for like 12 hours. He admitted to hubs that was scared for his life during those 12 hours. There were no fatalities, but some of the guys had to be flown out. They wear all that protective gear thank goodness. The marine told us that he does have cuts and bruises from the shrapnel.

He called hubs yesterday to tell us they had been under attack again. He said he now has trouble sleeping....flashbacks.

On the days we get those calls I turn into a big fragile emotional blob of jello. It is almost too much information to handle. The days between the calls I am able to stay strong and pray. I know the only humanly possible thing I can do is pray.

One side of me wants to call the president and scream at him to send our soldiers home. That part of the world has been fighting since the start of time, and I don't believe anything we do will stop that.

But, alas I am not in charge. (Thank goodness, huh?) Our Intelligence Agencies are privy to more information than we could even be able to imagine or handle. I have to trust their judgement.

Our son voluntarily joined The Marines and when he did, he swore to obey the orders given to him. He is doing his job and I am so proud of him for that.
Today as we all go about our mundane daily activities...grocery shopping, homework, Starbucks, watching TV, blow drying our hair, blog surfing (not that I do that), eating dinner with our family...and do it all in peace without fear of attack, think of our soldiers who could be fighting for their lives at this very minute across the globe. Pray for the safety of those brave men and women.

And for crying out loud when you come across a member of the military...pat them on the back and thank them.

12 comments:

Vintage Chicken said...

Brooke, You are a wonderful mother - you raised a fine young man that is voluntarily serving our country! Be Proud!
I pray for our men and women fighting for our freedoms, sometimes I don't think my pitiful little prayer is really enough, but then I'm reminded that God CAN and DOES move moutains, not little ole' me! Ya' know?

Seeing pictures of your handsome marine makes me realize just how REAL all of this is and how important even my little prayer is!

Thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Anticipatory grief. Been there and done that. Follow all of the official advice. Support him. Stay positive. Send great care packages. Say "I love you" at the beginning of the call in case the phone cuts out early.

Adrienne said...

bless your family and your son! i agree, the fighting will continue forever.

Red Geranium Cottage said...

WOW Brooke how proud you must be. Your soldier is a cutie. I too would be a crying mess if that were my son. I cant even imagine how much you miss him. Please tell him thank you soooo much for protecting all of us each day.
I'd love to send a care package. If you can email me his address.
Hugs
Sharon

Marilyn said...

Prayers for a safe return home....you are so
right to be proud of your son. Thanks to him
and others like him for serving their country.
They are very special people indeed.

kristen lewis said...

I was so touched watching you emotionally process all of this last week. You are so brave and I appreciate the sacrifice that your family makes every day more than I can express. He is a cutie even though the gun spooks me a bit.

Angie said...

What an amazing kiddo you've got there. We'll be keeping you and your hubs and especially the Marine in our prayers. Thank you for your sacrifice and the next time you talk to him, tell him we said thank you for his!

Mary said...

I was really touched last week and have been thinking of you constantly. You and your family have been on my heart, and I'm praying for him. Who can stand it when they don't have the assurance that God is holding him in the palm of His hand??

Kathy said...

I read your blog/post tonight and my heart was touched. I lift your son, you and your family up in prayer. Please keep us posted on how he is doing! My nephew is in Afganistan and I see my sister and it's amazing how brave she is (although I have seen her have her moments...) As a mother, I cannot imagine what you are going through. Thanks for sharing pictures of your son for all of us to see a face of who we are praying for. Kathy

Meredith said...

That's funny you said that last sentence as I just finished thanking my brother-in-law for his service as well, then linked on here and you are making the point again! I pray your son stays safe and thank him for his sacrifice. He has a wonderful family to come home to.

Lori E. said...

I do appreciate him, and my mom heart aches for you and D., We are so praying for him, and we will add praying for his peace of mind as well as his protection. I would vote for you to be president. Start with Mayor of S-town and work your way up!!!

Reva said...

Thanks goes out to your son for doing what he is doing. I'm sure it is nerve wracking for your family. Our prayers are with you all.